Backbone One Xbox Edition controller review – translucent design is a perfect Xbox Game Pass partner

Daily Mirror

26-04-2025

Players looking for a premium way to play Xbox games on the go will find it in the Backbone One Xbox Edition controller – providing they're willing to pay the price.
Backbone's green-toned upgrade is the same great way to play Xbox games on the go, made even more attractive thanks to its improved shell.
With more handheld PC s than ever entering the handheld space – and the Nintendo Switch 2 set to shake it up again soon – playing games portably has never been more in fashion. Despite the ability to run AAA games natively, however, the hardware required to do so is often costly, making cloud-based streaming devices, that take advantage of subscription services like Xbox Game Pass, an equally viable option.
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This is a field Backbone has dominated in, and is set to continue doing so, thanks to the recent launch of its new Backbone One: Xbox Edition controller.
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Coming in at £109.99 / $109.99 / AU$197, the Backbone One Xbox Edition is a much cheaper way to play games in handheld mode compared to the likes of native portable PCs such as the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally, which sell for £479 / $549 / AU$865 and £699 / $699 / AU$1299 respectively; although, these are very different devices with different purposes.
Versus previous Backbone models, the Xbox Edition is a lot more competitive by comparison, coming in at only roughly £10 / $10 / AU$18 more expensive despite the mostly improved design and features.
At first glance, it doesn't seem to do much differently design-wise to the original model that launched all the way back in 2021. Look a little more intently, however, and what you'll find is the most refined version of the Backbone One handheld experience yet. One that learns the lessons of previous models such as the Backbone One: PlayStation Edition, integrates them, and then coats it all in an aesthetic that will surely appeal to players who have been with the Xbox brand since the very beginning.
Backbone One: Xbox Edition –
Design-wise, The Backbone One: Xbox Edition doesn't differ too much to what's come before. Inserting your iPhone or Android phone is as easy as pulling either side of the Backbone One shell, popping your device in place (while assuring that the USB-C port is plugged into the bottom) where it will then sit comfortably, and more importantly, firmly. A bit of real estate has been left to accommodate any potential bulk that might come from a phone case, though your mileage with getting this to sit neatly will vary. In terms of ports you get an additional USB-C on the right-side grip and a 3.5mm jack on the left, ensuring you can game with a good set of headphones.
The main appeal of the Xbox Edition is, of course, the wonderful translucent green aesthetic, which harks back to a time when Nintendo allowed players to see into the innards of devices like the Game Boy; a tactic that Microsoft promptly followed, through the introduction of an original Xbox and accompanying 'Duke' gamepad that also made use of a translucent green tone. I'd say it works incredibly well here too on the Backbone One, being a much more affectionate way of paying tribute to Xbox via its history, as opposed to staying in keep with the Xbox Series X |S's current, less exciting matte black.
Backbone One: Xbox Edition –
As expected, the Backbone One: Xbox Edition works flawlessly with a range of cloud streaming apps. The most obvious one obviously being the Xbox app, which recently replaced the dedicated one for Xbox Game Pass as the main destination to stream games to your phone and play them. Obviously, a subscription is required, but those wanting to try out this device to its fullest should rest easy knowing that it comes with a full free month on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. In fact, I've been enjoying playing the likes of The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remastered in handheld form using exactly this method.
There is a standalone Backbone app too, which draws in all compatible games from any gaming subscriptions you might have and features them in one place. Priced at £3.99 / $3.99 / AU$6.25 (converted) per month, the app is a little on the pricier side for the service it ultimately provides, but it might suit players wanting to simplify their digital games library. This ties into the dedicated Backbone app button, which really is my only complaint in terms of the Backbone One: Xbox Edition's look. I don't disagree that it's handy for backing out to the main hub in an instant, but the garish orange button stands out from all the other understated black ones.
Backbone One: Xbox Edition –
Arguably the most impressive aspect of the Backbone One: Xbox Edition controller – yes, more so than its vintage translucent design – is how its buttons feel and perform. Always an important factor when you're gaming on the go or not, getting a good sense of feedback is essential. Whereas previous versions of the Backbone One have sometimes struggled with this aspect, in the Xbox Edition it has been refined so that the D-pad and face buttons always deliver a satisfying 'click' with each press. The same goes for whenever you need to click in the analogue sticks too, which makes sprinting in third- and first-person shooters feel nicely responsive.
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As for extended periods of play, I found that the Backbone One: Xbox Edition held up just fine, always feeling comfortable to hold thanks to its inherently ergonomic shape. I went in with a slight worry, wondering the kind of drain it would have on my phone's battery, but one of the few beauties of playing games via the cloud is that it can last for as long as you would have any other mobile app open for. Really, my only complaint when it comes to the Backbone One: Xbox Edition's performance is the two back triggers, which, unlike the face buttons, don't offer a satisfying sense of feedback and always feel spongey when pressed. It'd be good to see this resolved for future models.
Final thoughts on the Backbone One: Xbox Edition
There's no denying that the Backbone One: Xbox Edition is a premium way to enjoy cloud gaming on the go – if not the most premium. Unfortunately, that means it also comes with a premium price of £109.99 / $109.99 / AU$197, but if you're willing to make that initial investment, what you'll get is a low latency, hassle-free way to play all your favourite Xbox (and non-Xbox) games effortlessly whether you have an iPhone or Android device.
The green translucent design is wildly nostalgic too, being a great way to celebrate Xbox's gaming legacy in a way those who have been in the eco-system since the start will appreciate.