Backbone
Backbone is a US consumer hardware company that designs and sells Backbone Pro and Backbone One mobile gaming controllers for smartphone gamers, with a companion app enabling cloud and remote play across Xbox, PlayStation, Steam, NVIDIA, and Apple Arcade platforms.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersBeaverton, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Backbone does
Backbone is a US-based consumer hardware and software company that designs, manufactures, and sells mobile gaming controllers for smartphones. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, the company operates two primary product lines — the Backbone Pro at $169.99, a premium wireless controller with Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity, full-size thumbsticks, Hall Effect triggers, and a 40-hour battery life, and the Backbone One at $99.99, an entry-level wired controller with plug-and-play USB-C connectivity for iPhone and Android. Each line is offered in platform-branded variants including Xbox and PlayStation editions, supplemented by limited edition collaborations such as the Death Stranding 2 controller with Kojima Productions (1,350 units) and the Post Malone glow-in-the-dark edition.
The technology stack centers on the physical controllers and the Backbone App, which serves as a unified hub for game discovery and streaming across Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Remote Play, Steam Link, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Apple Arcade, and native iOS and Android titles. Proprietary hardware features include Hall Effect triggers for drift-free precision input, full-size ALPS thumbsticks, and dual-mode connectivity; the company cites 50+ research studies and 10,000+ part iterations as evidence of its engineering investment. The Backbone+ subscription unlocks premium app features, establishing a recurring revenue stream alongside primary hardware sales.
Backbone operates a product-led, direct-to-consumer go-to-market model. Distribution spans the backbone.com ecommerce storefront with international shipping in 13 currencies, alongside retail partnerships with Best Buy, Amazon, and Target. The company drives demand through influencer and celebrity collaborations (Hideo Kojima, Post Malone, Marshmello, MrBeast, Nadeshot), earned media coverage in WIRED, The Verge, and Forbes, and active social presence across Discord, Reddit, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Its primary customer segments are mobile gamers, cross-platform gamers who stream console and PC titles to their phones, and casual/social mobile gamers, with the company maintaining a 4.8-star rating across 103,394 customer reviews. Capital structure reflects a privately held, founder-led entity led by CEO Maneet Khaira, having raised a $40 million Series A in February 2022 led by Index Ventures with participation from TCV, Sound Ventures, Left Lane Capital, BoxGroup, and Electric Feel Ventures.
Backbone firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Backbone
- Legal name
- Backbone
- Website
- https://playbackbone.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Backbone is a US consumer hardware company that designs and sells Backbone Pro and Backbone One mobile gaming controllers for smartphone gamers, with a companion app enabling cloud and remote play across Xbox, PlayStation, Steam, NVIDIA, and Apple Arcade platforms.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Backbone industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Mobile Gaming Accessories
- NAICS
- Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers (45912)
- SIC
- Computer Peripheral Equipment, Nec (3577)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Handheld & Mobile Gaming Hardware (Dedicated Handhelds, Accessories) (MPAFAGAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Cloud Gaming Controllers & Input Hardware (Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth controllers, input adapters) (MPAFAHAH)
Keywords
Where Backbone is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Beaverton
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Backbone business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Primary revenue stream from selling physical gaming controllers including Backbone Pro ($169.99) and Backbone One ($99.99), along with accessories like carrying cases
- Backbone+ Subscription: Recurring subscription service providing access to premium app features and exclusive benefits. Some app features require an active Backbone+ subscription
- Gaming Platform Partnerships: Revenue generated through partnerships with gaming platforms and publishers (Xbox, PlayStation, Ubisoft) through cross-promotions, exclusive content bundles, and platform integrations
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Backbone Pro - Premium wireless mobile controller |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Backbone One - Entry-level mobile controller |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Backbone One Carrying Case |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Universal Carrying Case |
| Subscription | Monthly | Backbone+ Subscription |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Backbone Pro - Xbox Edition |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Backbone product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Backbone designs, manufactures, and sells mobile gaming controllers (Backbone One at $99.99 and Backbone Pro at $169.99) that turn smartphones into handheld gaming consoles via USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity. Its companion Backbone App unifies game streaming from Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Remote Play, Steam Link, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Apple Arcade, supported by a Backbone+ premium subscription and platform-specific editions for Xbox and PlayStation users.
Product overview
Backbone is a mobile gaming controller company with two main product lines: Backbone Pro (premium, $169.99) and Backbone One (entry-level, $99.99). Both product lines are available in platform-specific editions including Xbox Edition and PlayStation Edition. The ecosystem includes the Backbone App for iOS and Android that enables game streaming from Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Remote Play, Steam Link, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Apple Arcade, and native mobile games. Accessories include carrying cases and iPhone adapters. Limited edition collaborations include Death Stranding 2 (licensed by Kojima Productions/PlayStation, 1,350 units) and Kith partnership.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Backbone Pro: Premium wireless mobile gaming controller with Bluetooth connectivity, full-size thumbsticks, and compatibility across multiple devices including phones, PC, tablet, and TV.
- Backbone One
- Backbone App
Products and services
- Backbone Pro Premium wireless mobile gaming controller with dual-mode USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity, full-size thumbsticks, Hall Effect triggers, redesigned ergonomic grip, and 40-hour battery life; supports play on phones, PC, tablet, and TV at $169.99.
- Backbone Pro | Xbox Edition Xbox-branded variant of the Backbone Pro with Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity, full-size ALPS sticks, Hall Effect triggers, and bundled free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
- Backbone One Entry-level mobile gaming controller with USB-C wired connection for plug-and-play play of mobile, console, or PC games on iPhone and Android smartphones; priced at $99.99.
- Backbone One | Xbox Edition Xbox-themed variant of the Backbone One with translucent green design, dedicated Xbox dashboard button, and Xbox branding optimized for mobile Xbox gameplay.
- Backbone One | PlayStation Edition PlayStation-themed variant of the Backbone One mobile controller enabling PlayStation Remote Play and PlayStation game streaming on mobile devices.
- Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition Backbone One Limited edition Backbone One controller collaboration with Kojima Productions, licensed by PlayStation, featuring unique Death Stranding 2 themed design and a special aluminium D-Pad; limited to 1,350 units worldwide.
- Backbone App Free mobile application for iOS and Android that serves as the unified gaming hub, enabling play of mobile games and streaming from Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Remote Play, Steam Link, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Apple Arcade; some premium features require a Backbone+ subscription.
- Backbone One Carrying Case Official protective carrying case for Backbone One controllers for transport and storage; regular price $25 with frequent promotional discounts.
- Universal Carrying Case Universal carrying case compatible with multiple Backbone controller models for protection and portability.
- Backbone One iPhone Adapter iPhone-specific adapter for Backbone One controllers enabling secure mounting and connection with iPhone devices.
Quantifiable outcome
- 40 hours battery life
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Backbone
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Backbone technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
Feature7 records
Backbone partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship and core.
- UbisoftminorUbisoft partnered with Backbone to offer exclusive in-game rewards for players of The Division Resurgence, a free-to-play mobile looter shooter. The reward bundle includes three Superior-tier perks claimable through the Backbone app and redeemable in-game by linking a Ubisoft Connect account.
- Kojima ProductionsflagshipDeath Stranding 2 limited edition Backbone controller collaboration with Kojima Productions, licensed by PlayStation. Features unique design with special aluminium D-Pad, limited to 1,350 units worldwide.
- Post MaloneflagshipPost Malone collaboration on glow-in-the-dark Backbone One Post Malone Limited Edition controller, featuring translucent green design that glows in the dark.
- Xbox/MicrosoftcoreBackbone One Xbox Edition and Backbone Pro Xbox Edition controllers feature Xbox branding and include a free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Controllers include Xbox dashboard button for seamless integration with Xbox ecosystem.
- PlayStationcoreBackbone One PlayStation Edition and PlayStation Remote Play integration allowing users to stream and play PlayStation games on mobile devices.
- Apple ArcadecoreDeep integration with Apple Arcade gaming subscription service, with dedicated platform section in Backbone App for Apple Arcade games.
- NVIDIA GeForce NOWcoreIntegration with NVIDIA GeForce NOW cloud gaming service, allowing Backbone users to stream PC games to their mobile devices.
- Valve (Steam Link)coreSteam Link integration enabling Backbone users to stream games from their Steam library to mobile devices.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Backbone competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Razer: Razer sells the Kishi line of mobile gaming controllers that directly compete with Backbone One and Backbone Pro across iOS and Android. Razer is the most established premium mobile gaming controller brand and competes head-to-head on hardware quality and ecosystem.
- GameSir: GameSir is a leading Chinese gaming peripherals brand with multiple mobile controller models (X2, X3, X5) at competitive price points. It competes directly with Backbone in the mobile gaming controller category, particularly on Android.
- 8BitDo: 8BitDo designs Bluetooth and USB-C compatible controllers widely used for mobile and retro gaming. Several of its models overlap with Backbone One in form factor, price band, and cross-platform positioning.
- Hori: Hori manufactures officially-licensed Sony and Nintendo mobile gaming controllers and accessories. Hori is a direct peer in licensed mobile controllers and competes with Backbone's PlayStation Edition on Sony-aligned mobile gaming.
- PowerA: PowerA produces licensed mobile gaming controllers and accessories across console brands. It overlaps with Backbone in the licensed-controller segment targeting mobile and cloud gaming.
Broad incumbents
- SteelSeries: SteelSeries is a broad gaming peripherals incumbent (headsets, mice, keyboards, controllers). It overlaps with Backbone on premium controllers and mobile/cloud gaming accessories and competes for the same high-end gaming consumer.
- Sony (PlayStation): Sony is both a strategic partner (PlayStation Remote Play integration and licensed Death Stranding 2 controller) and an indirect incumbent via PlayStation Portal. Sony's handheld strategy defines the category in which Backbone's PlayStation Edition competes.
- Microsoft (Xbox): Microsoft is both a co-marketing partner (Xbox Game Pass Ultimate bundles on Backbone Xbox Edition) and a broad incumbent via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Microsoft's controller ecosystem sets the bar Backbone's Xbox Edition is benchmarked against.
- Valve: Valve is a Steam Link integration partner but also the maker of the Steam Deck, the most prominent dedicated handheld that competes for the same 'play console-quality games anywhere' use case that Backbone addresses.
Emerging players
- ASUS (ROG Ally): ASUS's ROG Ally line competes for the same consumer occasion — high-fidelity portable gaming — using Windows handhelds rather than phone-plus-controller. It is an emerging substitute rather than a like-for-like controller, but pressures the value proposition Backbone sells.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Backbone social profiles
Digital presenceBackbone financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Backbone leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Backbone funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors7 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Backbone M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Backbone
What does Backbone do?
Backbone designs, manufactures, and sells mobile gaming controllers (Backbone One at $99.99 and Backbone Pro at $169.99) that turn smartphones into handheld gaming consoles via USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity. Its companion Backbone App unifies game streaming from Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Remote Play, Steam Link, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Apple Arcade, supported by a Backbone+ premium subscription and platform-specific editions for Xbox and PlayStation users.
Is Backbone a public or private company?
Backbone is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Backbone founded?
Backbone was founded in 2020. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Backbone based?
Backbone is headquartered in Beaverton, United States, in the North America region.
How does Backbone make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are backbone+ Subscription and gaming Platform Partnerships.
Who are Backbone's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Razer, GameSir, 8BitDo, Hori and PowerA. Broad incumbents are SteelSeries, Sony (PlayStation), Microsoft (Xbox) and Valve. ASUS (ROG Ally) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Backbone have an API?
No public API is recorded for Backbone.
What industry is Backbone in?
Backbone's product category is Mobile Gaming Accessories. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAGAB, Handheld & Mobile Gaming Hardware (Dedicated Handhelds, Accessories), with a secondary code of MPAFAHAH, Cloud Gaming Controllers & Input Hardware (Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth controllers, input adapters). Its NAICS code is 45912 and its SIC code is 3577.