The Backbone Pro Mobile Gaming Controller Is Over 20% Off Right Now

THE Pro Spine The mobile gamepad is currently down to $134.99 from $169.99, its lowest price yet, according to price trackers. This drop helps justify its somewhat middle-of-the-road status: It’s more expensive than basic clip-on controllers, but still cheaper than buying both a dedicated phone grip and standalone Bluetooth. gamepad.

The appeal here is flexibility. The Backbone Pro attaches directly to your phone via USB-C, but it can also work wirelessly via Bluetooth with a PC, tablet or TV. This means a controller can live in your bag and handle quick mobile sessions, cloud gaming on a laptop, or couch gaming on a larger screen without additional stands or adapters. PCMag rated it “excellent” which follows the feeling of finishing, although it is not without compromise.

In hand, the Pro Spine feels noticeably better than the original Spine 1. 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 a Xbox controllers and track movements reliably. The buttons are smaller than a full-size gamepad but clicky and well-spaced, helping to prevent accidental presses. The triggers are responsive, although their shorter pull requires some adjustment in games that rely on precise throttle control. That said, the controller doesn’t have haptic motors, so there’s no rumble feedback, making it a bit hollow compared to traditional. console controllers. It’s still solid and well-built, but not as heavy or immersive as a full-size gamepad.

Where things get complicated is at the software level. Plug in the Pro Spine in a USB-C phone is simple and 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 button. However, many of the most attractive features are locked behind the Backbone+ subscriptionwhich costs $39.99 per year. This includes game launch, video capture, 1080p recording, Broadcast on Twitchor retro emulation for iPhone users. This is a bit disappointing considering the already high price. Still, you get a compact, dual-use controller that can travel with you, connect to your phone, or connect wirelessly to just about anything that supports XInput.