Introducing Backbone Pro | Xbox Edition

This is an Xbox you can take anywhere

Today, we’re unveiling the Backbone Pro for Xbox, our next generation controller engineered from the ground up to let players play across multiple screens with a single device—built for the future of gaming. 

Backbone Pro lets you play titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Minecraft on not only your phone but also PC, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, Meta Quest, and more, and switch between them instantly. No pairing menus. Just tap and play.

Your favorite games, anywhere, and all you need is a single game controller and an Xbox Game Pass subscription.

All-new design

Backbone Pro is one of the smallest, most comfortable handheld gaming devices ever made. 

We went through more than 9,000 part iterations and ran over 30 user research studies using a proprietary 3D camera system to measure hand movements and analyze thousands of hours of gameplay. The end result? Every detail, from the precise placement of the full-size thumbsticks to the laser-etched grips and hall effect triggers the result of relentless optimization.

Backbone Pro offers two ways to play: Handheld Mode, where your phone is physically connected via USB-C for low latency and no charging required; and Wireless Mode, connecting via Bluetooth for gaming from a distance. 

  • Handheld Mode directly connects to your device via USB-C for instant response, no latency, and zero charging hassle. Dock your phone to create one of the lightest, most comfortable handheld systems ever made - just 199g, with full-size console thumbsticks and featherweight ergonomics.
  • Wireless Mode offers Bluetooth® connectivity for effortless gaming on tablets, laptops, VR headsets, and smart TVs up to 40 hours of battery life in Wireless Mode¹. Our new FlowState™ switching in the Backbone App moves your controller from screen to screen in a tap, no menus, no re-pairing.

Your shortcut to play

The Backbone app is one unified place for all your games, friends, and platforms. Launch cloud Gaming, jump into Remote Play, access emulated titles and start App Store or Google Play titles with a tap.²

  • Universal launcher for Xbox Cloud Gaming, Remote Play, emulator games, Apple Arcade, PlayStation Remote Play, Steam Link and App Store games like Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft, and more.²
  • Smart Search finds exactly what you want to play across all of your platforms.
  • Capture, edit, and share your highlights. Stream to friends or go live on Twitch.²
  • Organize your games across console, PC, mobile and cloud into a unified library.

Play Xbox anywhere

Xbox Cloud Gaming allows you to jump into gameplay anywhere. Plus, Backbone Pro | Xbox Edition includes one free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on us, so you can jump into an expansive library of games right away.³ Prefer your own console library? Instead, use Xbox Remote Play to stream titles directly from your Xbox.

Pro vs. One at a glance

Both controllers deliver the Backbone experience. Choose the format that fits your play style.

Backbone Pro: updated ergonomic design for comfort and precision, Bluetooth and hardwired play, full-size sticks, hall effect triggers, two customizable back buttons, profiles and remapping.

Backbone One: ultra-mobile, USB-C plug-in design optimized for portability, and core inputs.


 

Availability

Backbone Pro | Xbox Edition launched today. It’s available on Backbone.com, Best Buy and Amazon at launch. Worldwide shipping is supported.⁴

 

¹ Based on internal testing. Actual results may vary.

²Certain Backbone app features require a Backbone+ subscription to access. The Backbone app is not required to access Xbox software experiences including Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Remote Play. 

³Offer expires 01/31/2029. New Game Pass Ultimate members only; subscription continues automatically unless canceled. See xbox.com/subscriptionterms for details. Apps and games are subject to availability-- may not be available on Xbox Game Pass.

⁴Regional shipping limitations apply.