Backbone controllers for smartphones come in black and white, but if you’ve been looking for something more vibrant, then you can pick two limited-edition colorways right now. Available exclusively through Target, you can choose from the $170 Backbone Pro: Pink Edition or a $100 Backbone One: Purple Edition controller. These will go on sale soon, with online orders starting on October 5 and in-store sales starting on October 6.
$170
The Backbone Pro launched earlier this year, and as its name suggests, it’s designed to be a premium add-on for your smartphone. This updated model offers a USB-C connection for compatible iPhone 15 and up, and it’s also compatible with Android phones. Some of the noteworthy changes include larger grips with a textured finish, full-sized ALPS analog sticks, Hall Effect triggers, two remappable back buttons, and “carbon-pill” face buttons that are quieter when pressed. All the inputs you’d expect from a modern-day controller are here, so you can jump right into a game of Genshin Impact or Call of Duty.
App functionality also expands on the functionality of the Backbone Pro, and overall, this model improves on the ergonomics and customization of the original Backbone One.
$100
While the Backbone One isn’t as advanced, it’s still a budget-friendly controller that can easily give you a traditional gaming experience on your smartphone. The design has been tweaked to feel more comfortable in your hands, and these Gen 2 controllers use an enhanced D-pad and face buttons that Backbone claims are more responsive. Using one is very easy, as all you have to do is snap it onto your smartphone and you’re good to go. You don’t even need to remove the protective cover of your smartphone, and these devices are compatible with PlayStation Remote Play, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and other streaming services.
If the colors above don’t appeal to you, then you can pick up a Backbone Pro or a Backbone One in neutral shades of black and white. These are priced the same as the models above, as you can get a Gen 2 Backbone One for $100 or a Backbone Pro for $170.
Backbone One
Gen 2 (USB-C)
Gen 2 (Lightning)
Backbone Pro
Anyone using a tablet device can also check out the Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL. This line of controllers from Razer recently launched, and while they are pricier, they do feature high-end components.
The Kishi V3 Pro XL is designed specifically for larger tablets–including 11- and 13-inch iPad Pro and Air models–while the Razer Kishi V3 Pro features the same hardware and is geared toward smaller 8-inch tablets and iPhones.