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Please note: A review model was provided for this review, but it does not influence the opinions stated here in any way.
You might’ve seen my unboxing video for the Backbone One with the USB-C connector—or maybe you’ve heard me rave about how much I enjoy using it to play Xbox games on the go. And to be honest with you? I still use it. I still love it. That is, until Backbone decided to drop their latest model: the Backbone Pro. So naturally, I had to see what all the hype was about. I mean, how do you improve on something that’s already solid?
Design & Build Quality
The Backbone Pro is noticeably larger than the original—and that’s thanks to all of the upgrades packed into this thing. The first improvement you’ll spot is the grip and overall build quality. This feels like a proper, premium controller. There’s a textured wrap that extends from front to back, giving it a grip that rivals the PlayStation DualSense.
Not that we’re hosting a grip Olympics here, but I’d put Xbox in the gold medal spot, with the DualSense and Backbone Pro tied for silver. The Pro also feels sturdier and has a nice weight to it. It fits better in-hand, especially if you’ve got larger mitts. And the joysticks? Full-sized thumbsticks now, with a textured ring and upgraded grip—just like what you’d expect from console-grade pro controllers.
The face buttons and the D-pad are also a noticeable step up. They feel more tactile, more premium—less “clicky plastic,” more “responsive feedback.” That plasticky feel was one of my few complaints with the original model, and it’s been addressed here. The shoulder buttons are also larger, and L2/R2 now have a proper trigger-like design. Great news if you play shooters. The auxiliary buttons have been raised this time around, ensuring they won’t get stuck—unless you have bricks for fingers. And in that case, you should seek medical attention immediately.
App Integration & Connectivity
One of the biggest new features is Bluetooth support. That means you’re not limited to plug-and-play on your phone anymore. You can now pair it with a tablet, laptop, or even your desktop thanks to Backbone’s new FlowState tech. You can also save different profiles in the Backbone app and switch between them seamlessly, which is a huge win if you jump between platforms or genres often.
Speaking of the app—it’s rock solid. Once you connect your Xbox and Steam accounts, everything just… works. Launch times are fast, and you can bounce between apps like Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox Remote Play, and Xcloud with no problem. Streaming performance? Surprisingly smooth.
How does it play?
To put the Backbone Pro through its paces, I tested it with a few games: Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remastered, RoboCop: Rogue City, Dead Cells, and Halo Infinite. The capture button still works just like it did on the original, so if you’re the type to record every triple kill or embarrassing failed 360 Christ Air in Tony Hawk Pro Skater (I still can’t land this one), you’re covered.
Despite getting clapped in all of them (Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remastered being my biggest failure), the controls felt tight and responsive with zero noticeable input lag—whether it was plugged into my phone or played over Bluetooth. And even with the added size, the Pro still fits easily in my backpack. Perfect for travel. The Backbone Pro claims 40 hours of battery life, and so far, I’ve been gaming for several days straight without needing a charge. I just took it out of the box and jumped right in.
Final Verdict
Honestly, there aren’t many negatives here. If I had to nitpick, I was surprised there’s no rumble or haptic feedback—especially considering the size of the controller. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but it would’ve added a little more immersion for games that support it. This isn’t just for the hardcore crowd. I’d absolutely recommend the Backbone Pro to casual mobile gamers, especially because of how seamless the Bluetooth functionality is.
You can start on your phone, then jump to a tablet or laptop with ease. Even native mobile games feel great thanks to the upgraded build. Since there’s no real learning curve when using the Backbone Pro, you won’t need to worry about setting it up; everything from pairing to profile switching is super straightforward.
I’ve said it earlier in this review, and I’ll say it again: this looks and feels like a premium upgrade over the Backbone One. That said, it also comes with a premium price tag: $169.99. But when you look at the current handheld gaming landscape—with devices like the Logitech G Cloud at $299 or the ROG Ally X at a heart-attack-inducing $899.99—the Backbone Pro starts to make a lot more sense.
You’re still getting a high-end mobile gaming experience, without sacrificing your rent money. If you’re serious about cloud gaming, remote play, or just want a better experience when gaming on the go, the Backbone Pro is absolutely worth a look. Final score: 10/10
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