Backbone Pro launches with a revamped design, built-in battery, and support for Bluetooth connectivity

It has been a couple of years since Backbone released the Backbone One controller, although it has announced special editions such as the fairly recent Backbone One Xbox Edition. Now, it has unveiled a brand new controller called the Backbone Pro which is designed for not just mobile devices but also computers and TVs.

The Backbone Pro comes in black and has a similar button layout to the Backbone One, at least on the front. However, there are some significant changes. The controller has a new handle design but it is also heavier at 199 grams, and that's because it has a built-in battery for wireless play. The bumpers and triggers are bigger too and the full-size thumbsticks have a concave design. Fans of the brand will also be happy to know there are two remappable back buttons.

The Backbone Pro has a USB-C port for connecting to an Android smartphone or iPhones with a USB-C port for handheld mode. In this mode, there is zero latency and there's no need to charge the controller, although it still has a USB-C port for passthrough charging and an audio jack. However, owners can also choose to use the controller in wireless mode and pair it to their phone, tablet, computer, VR headset, and even a TV via Bluetooth. 

This mode relies on the built-in battery which provides up to 40 hours of playtime on a single charge. There's also a feature called FlowState Technology within the companion app which remembers the last device it was connected to for faster pairing.

The Backbone app allows users to remap every button and also create custom profiles for specific games and devices. The app also serves as a game hub where players can access games from a variety of platforms, stores, and cloud gaming services. There's even a built-in emulator now for playing retro games while a smart search feature makes it easier to find games across various platforms.

The Backbone One Pro doesn't have a price tag yet due to pending tariff decisions. However, it is expected to be more expensive than the Backbone One which costs $99.99 (available on Amazon) for the standard and PlayStation editions and $109.99 for the Xbox edition.