The Backbone One is our favorite gaming controller for iPhone and Android, and you can score a terrific deal on the Gen 2 USB-C model. Best Buy has slashed 50% from the price of the Backbone One Gen 2 for a limited time. Normally $100, you can get this great iOS and Android controller for only $50. Best Buy offered the same deal ahead of Christmas, but it was only available for one day. If you missed out the first time, now you have another chance to get an awesome phone controller for cheap.
Backbone One Gen 2 Mobile Controller (USB-C)
$50 (was $100)
The Backbone One is a convenient and high-performing option for Xbox Cloud Gaming, PS Remote Play, and native mobile games from subscription services like Apple Arcade and Netflix. As mentioned, this model of the Backbone One is compatible with all iPhone 15 and 16 models as well as Android phones.
The big draw of the revised, Gen 2 Backbone One is that it’s compatible with many different phone cases, whereas the first iteration required users to remove their phone from their case before connecting to the controller.
The Backbone One gives you a more traditional gaming experience with its button layout and grip style. You get shoulder and trigger buttons, familiar face buttons, and a staggered layout for the analog sticks. When you’re not playing, a Backbone One folds down and takes up minimal space to easily fit in your pocket.
With the Backbone One attached, you can have a Switch-like handheld gaming experience on your phone. Many games installed on your device can be launched from the Backbone app, including a bunch of Apple Arcade and Netflix games that are much better with traditional gamepads than touchscreen controls.