Backbone Launches ‘Backbone Pro’ Controller

Backbone has unveiled Backbone Pro, an updated version (though it may look the same) of their well-loved Backbone One controller, which underwent a complete overhaul in terms of design.

The Portland-based company posits that the way games are played has undergone a radical transformation, and their newest product, Backbone Pro, is designed as a solution to this change. It’s the brand’s inaugural dual-connectivity controller, enabling users to play games wirelessly using Bluetooth (Wireless Mode) or with “zero latency” through USB-C (Handheld Mode).

Backbone is designing its new controller for gamers who effortlessly switch between various devices, from smartphones to streaming TVs with VR capabilities. A novel feature in their app, FlowState Technology, enables users to smoothly transition gaming sessions across synced devices. The brand boasts that the updated app turns your phone into a central hub for gaming, acting as the one spot you’ll need. It supports multiple platforms such as Apple Arcade, Netflix, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

When creating Backbone Pro, the manufacturer emphasizes they had to “thoroughly reconsider everything”, ranging from industrial design to programming code. They went through more than 9,000 distinct variations of parts to achieve perfection. The outcome includes full-size joysticks (a significant improvement over the previous model’s recessed ones), reconfigurable buttons on both the front and back, and improved ergonomics that make Backbone Pro the most comfortable controller they have ever produced.

In an announcement prior to the release of Backbone Pro, Maneet Khaira, the company’s founder and CEO, expressed his belief that the future of gaming goes beyond isolated devices. He praised the product’s adaptability, stating that with a single device, gamers can enjoy the thrill and camaraderie of gaming on any screen.

Backbone Pro is available now via the brand’s website priced at £156 GBP / $169.99 USD.

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