Post Malone and Backbone are collaborating on a limited-edition mobile controller
Jun. 18, 2024We shall be henceforth referring to this controller as the “Post Backbone”
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The next limited edition version of the popular Backbone One mobile controller releases later this month, and it’s not one I saw coming. The team at Backbone has launched a few limited edition models in recent years, but this next one is a collaboration with the world-famous rapper, Post Malone.
If you aren’t a big fan of Posty’s music, you might be taken aback at one of thebest mobile controllerssporting his branding. However, the celebrity is known to be a passionate gamer and makes his love of them known online frequently.
The bold, green, semi-transparent Backbone One will launch on June 25, but there’s a catch. Only 500 total units will be available for sale worldwide, so fans should be ready to click the “buy now” buttonexclusively on Backbone’s websiteat 12 noon ET/ 9am PT / 5pm BST.
Since he spends so much time touring, Post Malone is said to do a lot of his gaming on mobile, since he can access his various gaming accounts via the Backbone App. He said “Backbone found the perfect solution to bring gaming on the road. My schedule makes it difficult to game from home as much as I want. Grateful to collaborate with them on this release.”
The musician had a direct design influence on the limited edition controller, which is why it sports his favorite color. It also features some technical upgrades from theBackbone One for Xbox and PlayStation, including an aluminium D-Pad and laser-etched face buttons. The packaging definitely has an exclusive feel to it, as it has sequential numbers on it and a glow-in-the-dark Post Malone logo.
Maneet Khaira, the CEO of Backbone said “Bringing the Post Malone brand and his sincere love for gaming to the category-defining Backbone platform felt like a perfect match”.
I was surprised to learn in recent weeks that Post Malone was a big gaming fan, but as it happens, he and I share a favorite game. I discovered this when one of my favorite Hunt: Showdown streamers posted a video toYouTubewhere he played with the artist.
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Obviously, if you’re a Post Malone fan, this special edition of the Backbone One is going to be a must-have collector’s item for you. But is the Backbone One all it’s hyped up to be?
Put it this way, there’s no way it could have become one of the most popular gaming accessories in the world if it wasn’t worth buying. It’s such a simple, portable, and usable controller that allows you to take the functionality of thebest PC controllerson the go with you. Do note, however, that it looks as though only USB-C-compatible phones will be compatible with the new limited edition. Although Backbone previously had support for older iPhone models, they’ve since moved to USB-C in accordance with trade standards.
While the Backbone One is definitely still worth buying, it did drop from our top spot on the mobile controller leaderboard recently, and it’s in a category that’s getting more hotly contested by the month.
My favorite mobile controller is theGameSir G8 Galileo, which has a larger form factor and two very useful back buttons. It doesn’t have the kind of official licensing that Backbone One’s PlayStation and Xbox versions have, nor does it have Post Malone’s endorsement, but it’s undoubtedly the best mobile controller I’ve tested so far. Not only is it more comfortable, but it’s also much more affordable than the Backbone.
Coming up right behind the G8 are theRazerKishi Ultra, which I’m currently testing out, and the upcoming Scuf Nomad which is exclusively for iOS devices, but is priced at the same level as the Backbone.
In my eyes, the mobile controller world has shifted in the last year, and Backbone isn’t the clear frontrunner it was. On the other hand, none of those competitors have the allure of beautifully designed limited editions like Post Malone’s. If you’d like to see some alternatives to fall back on if you can’t grab one of those exclusive 500 units, check out the window below.
Looking for a controller for a home setup? Take a look at thebest PS5 controllers, thebest Xbox Series X controllers, and thebest Nintendo Switch controllers.
One of my earliest memories is playing SuperMario64 and wondering why the controller I held had three grips, but I only had two hands. Ever since I’ve been in love with video games and their technology. After graduating from Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in Journalism, I contributed to the Scottish Games Network and completed an Editorial Internship at Expert Reviews. Over the last decade, I’ve been managing my ownYouTube channelabout my love of games too. These days, I’m one of the resident hardware nerds at GamesRadar+, and I take the lead on our coverage of gaming PCs, VR, controllers, gaming chairs, and content creation gear. Now, I better stop myself here before I get talking about my favourite games like HUNT: Showdown, Dishonored, and Towerfall Ascension.Location: UK Remote
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