This Xbox Edition controller is not only the ultimate Game Pass companion, it’s a reminder of handheld gaming’s evolution

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Over the past weekend, I had the opportunity to try out the freshly launched Backbone One Xbox Edition mobile gamepad, which I recently acquired. I spent the entire weekend enjoying Xbox Game Pass games on my mobile device with this new controller.

This device offers a cost-effective alternative to a high-end portable PC for gaming and makes an excellent match with the Xbox Game Pass subscription.

Naturally, grasping this stunning see-through gamepad instantly stirred a wave of nostalgia within me, reminiscent of the Xbox era’s early days. However, it also prompted me to ponder the incredible strides portable gaming has made over the past quarter century.

Today, devices like handhelds and mobile controllers enable me to accomplish tasks that were once just dreams during my childhood. This device serves as a testament to the ongoing evolution we’re experiencing.

This is seriously a fantastic mobile controller

As soon as I unboxed the Backbone One Xbox Edition mobile controller, I was immediately captivated by its stunningly transparent housing, which boasts a rich shade of Halo green.

It reminds me of the Limited Edition Xbox Crystal Console from 2004.

exceptional construction with no wobbling, user-friendly design, and swift, reactive control functions.

There’s even a handy Xbox button on the bottom left controller for easy menu navigation.

Without encountering any difficulties, I successfully installed my new Pixel 8 phone, even while it was in its case – an achievement that has eluded me on previous mobile devices. Keep in mind, though, that ease of installation can vary depending on the specific case and device being used.

No problems arose during troubleshooting, and all I needed was to charge my phone. The controller functioned perfectly as anticipated when used with suitable games offering controller compatibility.

All in all, I highly recommend this Xbox-branded mobile controller to anyone who is interested.

It’s just as beautiful as it is useful.

A modern controller that pays homage to our handheld past while paving for the future

If you’re familiar with the ’90s and early 2000s, it’s likely you remember the trend of clear, colorful gadgets that enclosed various tech items, such as the compact Game Boy Color and the larger Apple iMac G3.

The translucent green design of the Backbone One Xbox Edition brings back memories of gadgets from my past, along with reminiscences of the early era of Halo and Xbox.

Indeed, I found myself having memories resurface of using my GameBoy Color as I played with this Xbox Edition mobile control.

It’s worth noting that the gaming experience was significantly different back then. I had high expectations for PC and console games, while the experiences offered by handheld games were more restrained but enjoyable nonetheless.

That’s no longer the case.

With devices such as the Backbone One and modern handheld PC gaming systems like Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go, and so forth, I can frequently immerse myself in a wide variety of experiences – from brief yet impactful indie games such as Night in the Woods to AAA titles boasting intricate graphics like Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

It’s a freeing amount of access that I could only have hoped for as a kid.

We’re not done with this evolution either.

I truly believe that portable gaming will be the main way to play games in the future.

Microsoft has to some degree been advocating for this concept, as seen in their somewhat perplexing “This is Xbox” advertising campaign and the introduction of its xCloud service.

The upcoming handheld version of the future Xbox generation, slated for release in 2027, serves as another illustration of this trend, and I’m all on board with it!

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2025-04-02 13:09