Backbone Pro: The Elite Controller Conspiracy Unveiled

The Backbone Pro emerges as a premium mobile game controller with Bluetooth support for multiple devices, but its high price and subscription model raise eyebrows.

Since the Backbone One burst onto the scene in 2020, it’s been the darling of mobile gamers who swear by buttons over touchscreens. Fast forward to today, and the Backbone Pro is making waves—not just for phones, but for pretty much any screen you can think of, thanks to Bluetooth. PCs, iPads, even your smart TV? Check. But here’s the kicker: at $170, plus a $40 yearly fee to unlock all its tricks, you’ve got to ask—is this about breaking free in gaming, or is there a catch?

No denying, the Pro steps up the game with comfier grips, joysticks that glide like butter, and triggers that feel just right. Backbone’s big boss, Maneet Khaira, is all in on this ‘play anywhere’ dream. But let’s talk turkey—the price. For something that’s still mostly about your phone, it’s rubbing elbows with the Xbox Elite. And with some features hiding behind a paywall, it’s hard not to smell a rat. Innovation or just a fancy way to nickel and dime us?

Using the Pro? Feels like holding a piece of the future. The ergonomics are spot-on, and hopping between devices is smoother than a hot knife through butter. But here’s the rub: no native love for Xbox, PS5, or Switch. So, who’s this for? The hardcore crowd probably has their console controller glued to their hands, and the casuals might faint at the price tag.

And then there’s Backbone+. Shelling out extra just to jump straight into cloud games from the app? Smells like corporate shenanigans. The built-in emulator? Cool, but locked up tighter than Fort Knox and not as beefy as free options out there. It’s like they’re seeing how far they can push the ‘convenience tax.’

In an era where gaming’s supposed to be for everyone, the Backbone Pro sticks out—not just for being top-notch, but for how it’s priced. It’s a stellar piece of kit, no doubt. But the million-dollar question? Whether folks are ready to cough up for a controller that’s still figuring out where it fits in the grand scheme of gaming.