A new Xbox version of the Backbone One controller is out now, and it might be the best-looking one yet. The new controller uses transparent green plastic to give the Backbone a retro look while maintaining a bit of a Halo vibe.
The controller is for modern iPhones or Android devices, so it uses USB-C to connect to your phone. Like the other Backbone devices, it also has a USB-C port for power passthrough or connection to a computer.
Unlike other Backbone controllers, the Xbox Edition has an Xbox button instead of a screenshot key on the left side of the controller. This makes it easy to pull up the guide if you’re streaming games on your phone from GamePass. I have the PlayStation version of the controller, and hitting the button prompts me to download the Backbone app.
The one downside of this new controller is that is a little bit more expensive than the other versions. Both the Standard and PlayStation models are $139, while the new Xbox model is $160.
While this controller is geared towards Xbox gamers, it will work with any game you play on your phone, including games streamed from a PlayStation.
Design-wise this matches the cool Xbox-inspired 8Bitdo keyboard and mouse from earlier this year. Notably, there was a super limited edition Backbone last year that was a more neon transparent green, and there was also a transparent yellow version that came out alongside the release of Death Stranding.
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