Backbone One vs Pro: Which Mobile Controller to Buy This Black Friday
▼ Summary
– The Backbone One is a compact, portable mobile controller priced at $99.99, making it ideal for travel and budget-conscious users.
– The Backbone Pro is larger and more comfortable with wireless Bluetooth connectivity, costing $169.99 and featuring extra remappable buttons.
– The Backbone One offers a Lightning connector variant for older iPhones and a PlayStation Edition with DualSense-inspired button markings.
– The Backbone Pro’s larger size and grips provide better comfort for extended gaming sessions and compatibility with PCs, smart TVs, and Nintendo Switch.
– Choosing between them depends on prioritizing portability and cost (Backbone One) versus comfort, wireless features, and extra buttons (Backbone Pro).
Choosing between the Backbone One and Backbone Pro mobile controllers involves weighing portability against premium features. The Backbone One stands out for its compact design and lower price point, making it ideal for gamers on the move, while the Backbone Pro offers enhanced comfort, wireless connectivity, and extra buttons for those seeking a more robust gaming experience. Both deliver excellent build quality and compatibility with a wide range of devices, but your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize convenience or advanced functionality.
The Backbone One is notably more portable due to its smaller dimensions, easily fitting into a bag or pocket. It’s also the more budget-friendly option, typically priced around $99.99. This controller maintains broad compatibility, including a Lightning connector version for older iPhones, and even offers a PlayStation Edition with familiar button layouts. While its compact form can feel a bit cramped during extended play, the trade-off is superior ease of transport.
In contrast, the Backbone Pro justifies its higher cost of approximately $169.99 with a larger, more ergonomic design that includes bigger grips, thumbsticks, and buttons. It adds two remappable rear buttons and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling wireless use with PCs, smart TVs, and the Nintendo Switch for up to forty hours. This makes it a versatile choice not just for mobile gaming but for cloud gaming sessions as well. However, its increased size and weight reduce its portability compared to the One.
Price plays a crucial role in this comparison. The Backbone One provides tremendous value, especially when discounted to around $69.99 during sales. The Backbone Pro, while premium, faces stiff competition from other high-end controllers in its price bracket. Whether the Pro’s extra cost is worthwhile depends on how much you value its wireless capabilities, additional buttons, and superior comfort for long gaming marathons.
Specifications highlight key differences: the Backbone Pro measures 7.1 x 11.1 x 2 inches and weighs 0.44 pounds, supporting both wired and Bluetooth connections. The Backbone One is smaller at 6.93 x 3.70 x 1.34 inches and lighter at 0.30 pounds, with wired-only options including USB-C and Lightning. Both work seamlessly with popular games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Genshin Impact via the Backbone app, though the Pro’s larger thumbsticks offer better control precision.
Design-wise, both controllers share a familiar gamepad layout, but the Backbone One features clickier, more audible buttons, while the Pro’s are softer and quieter. The Pro includes a Bluetooth pairing button and those handy rear inputs. Each model supports pass-through charging and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring you can play and listen without draining your phone’s battery.
Your final choice should align with your gaming habits. If portability and affordability are your main concerns, the Backbone One is the clear winner. It’s the go-to for travel and casual play. If you demand top-tier comfort, wireless freedom, and extra customization, the Backbone Pro is worth the investment. Regardless of your selection, both controllers deliver premium quality and a reliable gaming experience.
(Source: TechRadar)
