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The Backbone Pro mobile gaming controller is currently down to $134.99 from $169.99, its lowest price yet, according to price trackers. That drop helps justify its somewhat in-between status—it’s more expensive than basic clamp-on controllers but still cheaper than buying both a dedicated phone grip and a standalone Bluetooth gamepad.

The appeal here is flexibility. The Backbone Pro snaps directly onto your phone through USB-C, but it can also work wirelessly over Bluetooth with a PC, tablet, or TV. That means one controller can live in your bag and handle quick mobile sessions, cloud gaming on a laptop, or couch gaming on a bigger screen without extra mounts or adapters. PCMag rated it “excellent,” which tracks with how polished it feels, though it’s not without trade-offs.

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In hand, the Backbone Pro feels noticeably better than the original Backbone One. The rounded grips and full-size analog sticks make longer sessions easier, especially for shooters or racing games where precision matters. The sticks are the same size as an Xbox controller’s and track movement reliably. Buttons are smaller than a full-size gamepad but clicky and well-spaced, which helps avoid accidental presses. Triggers are responsive, though their shorter pull takes some adjustment in games that rely on fine throttle control. That said, the controller lacks haptic motors, so there is no rumble feedback, which makes it feel a bit hollow compared to traditional console controllers. It is still solid and well-built, just not as weighty or immersive as something like a full-size gamepad.

What do you think so far?

Where things get more complicated is the software. Plugging the Backbone Pro into a USB-C phone is simple, and it works with most Android phones and iPhone 15 and newer models, even large devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Wired mode gives you access to the Backbone app, where you can update firmware, remap buttons, and use the screenshot capture button. Many of the more appealing features, though, are locked behind the Backbone+ subscription, which costs $39.99 per year. That includes game launching, video capture, 1080p recording, Twitch streaming, or retro emulation for iPhone users. That’s a bit of a letdown considering the already steep price tag. Still, you’re getting a compact and dual-purpose controller that can travel with you, hook onto your phone, or connect wirelessly to just about anything that supports XInput.

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