For those who’ve ever thought “it’d certain be good to have only one controller to make use of between my cellphone, pill, and TV,” then the Backbone Pro is perhaps made for you. Spine’s latest gamepad has the identical phone-hugging design as its 2020 predecessor, however comes with a handful of distinct options — probably the most notable being that it may be paired by way of Bluetooth to any variety of gadgets, not simply telephones. The rechargeable controller simply bought its first non permanent value minimize, going from $169.99 to $149.99 at Amazon and Best Buy. Finest Purchase signifies this sale will expire on the finish of the day.
The Professional options extra sturdy grips and greater analog sticks (they’re ALPS, not Corridor impact, sadly) whereas retaining the unique’s hallmark function, which is that Android and iPhone fashions with a USB-C port might be inserted into the controller, from which you’ll launch into Spine’s polished dashboard. It successfully turns your cellphone right into a console, with the flexibility to snap/document clips, chat with associates by way of the platform, and livestream, if you want. It additionally has a USB-C port for passthrough charging, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and two customizable rear paddles.
The Professional provides extra versatility than the unique (the Professional is a stable wi-fi Steam Deck controller), and might carry out a cool occasion trick, you probably have the precise {hardware} and subscriptions. For those who begin an Xbox cloud sport streaming session out of your cellphone, you’ll be able to resume it from a TV that helps the Xbox app, and simply change the Professional to regulate it there as an alternative by way of Spine’s cell app.
Whereas few rivals try Spine’s multipurpose pairing, some outshine the Professional in the case of having the ability to match extra gadgets, particularly iPads and different tablets. The GameSir G8 Plus is $79.99 and might match an iPad mini or a Nintendo Change. The $199.99 Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL might be widened to suit a 13-inch pill in its maw, and options TMR thumbsticks and a six-month subscription to Apple Arcade.