Xbox and Backbone Launch Backbone Pro Xbox Edition Controller

A mobile phone with the Backbone Pro Xbox Edition controller attached, displaying the Xbox Game Pass screen.

The next evolution of Backbone’s controller lineup has arrived. Xbox and Backbone Labs have officially launched the Backbone Pro Xbox Edition controller, available starting November 12, 2025. It’s designed for those who want a console-like feel. Whether you’re gaming on a phone, PC, smart TV, or streaming device. And, it’s fully built for Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play.

This new model follows the Backbone One Xbox Edition. That controller set the stage for mobile Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play. With Backbone Pro, the collaboration takes things much further. It’s a fully re-engineered controller that supports both USB-C wired and Bluetooth Low Energy wireless play. This lets you move seamlessly between handheld and living-room gaming. The design leans into comfort and control, featuring full-size thumbsticks, laser-etched textured grips, and Hall Effect triggers for smoother, drift-free input.

Xbox says the Backbone Pro Xbox Edition was built from the ground up for flexibility. You can jump from phone to tablet to PC or smart TV without missing a beat, thanks to the FlowState connection system. There’s even a dedicated Bluetooth button for quick pairing. Combined with a built-in battery, the Backbone Pro removes the hassle of constant charging and cable swaps that often come with mobile setups.

We’ve already gone hands-on with the Backbone Pro and found it to be one of the most versatile options for cloud gamers today. You can check out our full impressions in our Backbone Pro Controller review for a closer look at how it performs across devices.

Backbone Pro Xbox Edition Design, Features, and Availability

The Backbone Pro Xbox Edition builds on what made the original controller work but steps into a more versatile space. It’s designed to feel solid in hand without adding unnecessary weight, giving it a comfortable middle ground between portability and full-sized control. The textured grips and refined button layout make long sessions feel natural, while the new rear buttons add flexibility for custom input setups.

Backbone also focused on responsiveness. The Hall Effect triggers are smooth and accurate, helping prevent stick drift over time. The larger ALPS thumbsticks give a console-like experience when playing action and shooter games. Together, these updates bring Backbone Pro closer to the quality you’d expect from a traditional Xbox controller.

Green camo-style Backbone Pro Xbox Edition gaming controller shown close up, fully attached to a phone, and viewed from the back.

Backbone App Integration

The Backbone App plays a big role in how this controller works across devices. With FlowState, you can move from phone to PC to TV without the typical Bluetooth pairing frustration. The app also lets you remap buttons, switch profiles, and customize settings for different games. Beyond Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play, the controller supports other platforms like Apple Arcade and Steam Link, which adds even more flexibility.


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Backbone Pro Xbox Edition Availability and Pricing

The Backbone Pro Xbox Edition is available now for $179.99 USD through Backbone.com, Xbox.com, and Amazon. It will appear at select Best Buy stores in the U.S. beginning November 30.

Xbox and Backbone position it as a versatile option for gaming across devices, combining wired and wireless flexibility for both cloud and console experiences.

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Jon Scarr (4ScarrsGaming)

Jon is a proud Canadian who has a lifelong passion for gaming. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry with more than 20 years experience. Jon is a strong believer and supporter in cloud gaming, he's that guy with the Stadia tattoo! He enjoys playing and talking about games on all platforms and mediums. Join the conversation with Jon on Threads @4ScarrsGaming and @4ScarrsGaming on Instagram.

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