The market for mobile game controllers is becoming increasingly competitive. Not only because Apple opened up the option to use controllers with its devices relatively recently, but also because both PlayStation and Xbox now allow players to stream console games to their phones. It makes having a good compatible mobile device controller very useful. It’s also handy for solid mobile ports of console games like Dead Cells (which is what I used to test the Pro) or Resident Evil Village (among many others).
I spent a lot of time with mobile game controllers during my stint at GameSpot as its mobile games editor, and though there are many solid options, the Backbone controller was always and continues to be my favorite. It feels solid without being heavy, it connects easily to your device with little to no fuss, and it’s compact without feeling too small. Perhaps most importantly, once it is plugged into your phone, it feels like a proper controller with good control sticks and clicky face buttons.
All that is to say, it made me take notice when Backbone reached out about a new Pro edition of its controller. It will be available exclusively at Best Buy and backbone.com for $169.99. I like the idea of a Pro version of my favorite mobile controller, but considering my appreciation for the amateur version, I was curious if the upgrade would feel necessary.
The short answer is the Pro version does not feel like a required upgrade. I am not a better or even necessarily more comfortable gamer using the Backbone Pro, but I do like it. I currently use the PlayStation Edition of the Backbone controller, which is functionally the same as the standard Backbone, but with a PlayStation color scheme. It was also, crucially, purchased for me as a gift by my wonderful and thoughtful wife. I presume most will not share the same emotional attachment to their Backbone One – PlayStation Edition Mobile Gaming Controller for that reason, so feel free to ignore that element of my impressions in your purchasing decision.
Comparing the standard Backbone (left) to the Pro (right)
The Backbone Pro
The big, immediately noticeable difference between the standard and the Pro is that the latter is larger. The grips are thicker, presumably to make room for additional electronics, but it still feels comfortable. The way the controller shells grab the sides of the phone also still feels sturdy.
The back of the controller also features two additional programmable buttons. Back controller buttons are an element of modern controller design that I like, but I never take advantage of if I am being honest with myself. I eagerly bought an Xbox Pro controller fully intending to use the back paddles, but to date, all I have used them for is to make little satisfying clicky noises during loading screens. I find myself doing the same here. So, if you like buttons on the back – they’re here! But if you’re more like me and don’t really use them, well, guess what? You have a nice little fidget toy to poke at while your games are loading. I am happy they are there, even if I don’t use them.
The Pro’s control sticks are a different design. They are concave as opposed to the convex and also have a rough texture around the edges. This is one of those small differences that is ultimately a matter of personal preference, but I do feel I have slightly more control with the Pro.
The d-pads on the two controllers feel the same to my touch, but the face buttons are undeniably different. The standard Backbone’s face buttons click in a satisfying way. The Pro’s buttons are softer and feel more in line with an Xbox or PlayStation controller. I do have some affection for the clicky-er buttons of the original controller, but I like the Pro’s more familiar-feeling buttons.
The other big upgrade for the Pro controller that the standard can’t claim is that it can be used without being directly connected to your phone. And since it is Bluetooth, it can also be used with a number of compatible devices. It’s a nice option (and presumably why the Pro grips are a little larger), but for all the positive things I have said about the Backbone, my statements do include the asterisk, “for a controller connected to your phone.” The Backbone is an excellent, convenient controller to use with your phone, but it won’t personally replace the Xbox or PlayStation controllers I use with my PC or Steam Deck.
Much like the buttons on the back, however, I think it is a nice option to have and I can conceive of situations where I would want to hold the controller separate from my phone and continue to play.
Verdict
I like the standard Backbone controller. I think it is still the best mobile controller available. I also like the Backbone Pro. It is a great mobile controller with some extra bells and whistles beyond the standard that I appreciate. Faced with both, however, I don’t think there is anything about the Pro controller that makes it radically better than the standard Backbone controller. Just slightly better.
