Good news for mobile gamers! Backbone is introducing two limited-edition smartphone controllers in delightful new colors: a $170 Backbone Pro: Pink Edition and a $100 Backbone One: Purple Edition. These vibrant controllers are designed to add a touch of personality and comfort to your portable gaming experience. They will be available exclusively through Target, with online sales kicking off on October 5th and in-store purchases starting October 6th.
For those interested in the premium experience, the Backbone Pro: Pink Edition is a fantastic choice. Launched earlier this year, the Backbone Pro is crafted as a high-end accessory for your smartphone. This updated model features a versatile USB-C connection, making it compatible with iPhone 15 and newer, as well as a wide range of Android phones. Key enhancements include larger grips with a textured finish for improved comfort, responsive full-sized ALPS analog sticks, Hall Effect triggers, and two customizable back buttons. The ‘carbon-pill’ face buttons are also designed for quieter presses. It includes all the inputs you’d expect from a modern controller, perfect for diving into games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty. The accompanying app further expands the controller’s functionality, with this model significantly improving upon the ergonomics and customization options of the original Backbone One.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers a great gaming experience, the Backbone One: Purple Edition is ideal. While not as feature-rich as the Pro, it provides a traditional console-like feel on your smartphone. Its design has been refined for a more comfortable grip, and these Gen 2 controllers boast an enhanced D-pad and face buttons that offer improved responsiveness. Setup is incredibly simple: just snap it onto your smartphone, and you’re ready to play. You won’t even need to remove your phone’s protective case. These devices are fully compatible with popular streaming services such as PlayStation Remote Play and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
If these new colorful options aren’t quite your style, both the Backbone Pro and Backbone One are still available in their classic, neutral shades of black and white. These standard models are priced identically to their new vibrant counterparts:
Backbone One
Gen 2 (USB-C)
- Black – $100
- White – $100
Gen 2 (Lightning)
- Black – $100
- White – $100
Backbone Pro
- Black – $170
For tablet users, the recently launched Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL offers another high-end controller option. While these Razer controllers come with a higher price tag, they boast premium components. The Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL is specifically engineered for larger tablets, including 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro and Air models. Meanwhile, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro features similar advanced hardware but is designed for smaller 8-inch tablets and iPhones, and the Razer Kishi V3 for smartphones.