Backbone’s Latest Xbox Controller: Sleek, Vibrant, and Nostalgically Retro

Backbone has revealed its new limited-edition controller for smartphones, and for fans of classic Xbox vibes, this could be a very nostalgic device for mobile gaming. The Backbone One: Xbox Edition controller will go on sale starting April 3 and is priced at $110. Since this will be sold in limited quantities, it’ll only be available through the Backbone store and Best Buy Drops.

Similar to last year’s Post Malone controller inspired by the musician and Lord of the Rings fan, the Xbox version sports a transparent green shell that allows you to see the inner workings of this device. It’s a darker shade of green that references the classic aesthetic of Xbox, and it includes a black PCB and the iconic Xbox button. Beyond that, you’re getting the standard range of inputs that you’ll find on other Backbone controllers, allowing you to play games with a traditional selection of controls.

This is also a second-gen model, so you’re getting a USB-C connection that can pair with your phone, even if it’s protected by a phone case. This makes the Backbone controller quite appealing as you won’t need to strip the protective cover off of your phone every time you want to use it. Additionally, there is passthrough charging, a 2.5mm headphone jack, and support for most iPhones and Android devices.

If you’re looking to pair this with other devices, 8BitDo also launched a mechanical keyboard and mouse that are also equipped with transparent green shells. The Xbox-inspired transparent green keyboard is on sale for the first time since its release earlier this year and the matching Retro R8 Wireless Gaming Mouse is priced at $60.

Backbone One controllers

In case it sells out, you can grab a Backbone controller for your phone in either a carbon-black color scheme inspired by the Xbox Series X console or a PlayStation white version. As mentioned above, the second-gen models feature USB-C connections, but if you’re using an older iPhone, you can get a first-gen model equipped with a Lightning port.

• Backbone One (2nd Gen, USB-C, White) — $98
• Backbone One (2nd Gen, USB-C, Black) — $98
• Backbone One (2nd Gen, Lightning, White) — $98
• Backbone One (2nd Gen, Lightning, Black) — $100
• Backbone One (1st Gen, Lightning, White) — $100
• Backbone One (1st Gen, Lightning, Black) — $100

When it first released, our Backbone One review praised the controller for being a “combination of solid hardware and smart app design” that has only gotten better with its second-generation update. For more options you can check our list of the best controllers for Android and iPhone.