Backbone

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.

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

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

• Mobile gaming controllers
• Cloud gaming accessories
• Game streaming hardware
• Console mobile gaming
• Smartphone game controllers

Headquarters

HQ city

Beaverton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. 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
2. Backbone+ Subscription: Recurring subscription service providing access to premium app features and exclusive benefits. Some app features require an active Backbone+ subscription
3. 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

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core 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

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship and core.

• UbisoftminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 May 2026Ubisoft 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 ProductionsflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 November 2025Death 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 MaloneflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 June 2024Post Malone collaboration on glow-in-the-dark Backbone One Post Malone Limited Edition controller, featuring translucent green design that glows in the dark.
• Xbox/MicrosoftcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBackbone 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.
• PlayStationcoreTechnology or IntegrationBackbone One PlayStation Edition and PlayStation Remote Play integration allowing users to stream and play PlayStation games on mobile devices.
• Apple ArcadecoreTechnology or IntegrationDeep integration with Apple Arcade gaming subscription service, with dedicated platform section in Backbone App for Apple Arcade games.
• NVIDIA GeForce NOWcoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration with NVIDIA GeForce NOW cloud gaming service, allowing Backbone users to stream PC games to their mobile devices.
• Valve (Steam Link)coreTechnology or IntegrationSteam Link integration enabling Backbone users to stream games from their Steam library to mobile devices.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct 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

• Xx.com/backbone
• YouTubeyoutube.com/PlayBackbone
• Facebookfacebook.com/Backbone
• Instagraminstagram.com/backbone
• TikToktiktok.com/@backbone

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors7 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Backbone