Backbone recently revealed several new cozy colors for its line of smartphone controllers, but if you’d prefer to stick to its regular colorways, then you can score one of these devices for up to 40% off during Amazon Big Deal Days. Currently, you can get the Backbone One with a USB-C connection for $70 (was $100), and for people using older iPhones, the Backbone One with a Lightning connection is down to $60 (was $100). This deal starts today and runs through October 8.
Backbone One Gen 2 (USB-C)
$70 (was $100)
This is the “Gen 2” version of the controller that has a reshaped D-pad and magnetic adapters that allow you to fit it to your phone without needing to remove the protective cover if it’s standard-sized. These are designed to connect directly to an iPhone or Android smartphone, giving you an experience that transforms your device into your very own handheld gaming console. All the inputs you’d expect from a modern controller–analogue sticks, face and shoulder buttons, triggers, and more–are here and housed inside a compact frame. When not in use, the Backbone One can be folded up to reduce its size.
The USB-C version is available in black at this price, but it looks like the model that sports a PS5-inspired white finish is currently out of stock.
Backbone One Gen 1 (Lightning)
$60 (was $100)
The Lightning version of the Backbone One is designed for iPhone 14 and older smartphones. This deal is also for the Gen 1 model, which will require you to remove your protective cover from your iPhone to use it. Only the white version of the controller cradle is currently available for this deal.
Backbone Pro
$170
For more controller options, you can also check out the Backbone Pro. This is the premium edition of the smartphone controller, as it’s equipped with redesigned ergonomics and high-quality components like a textured finish, quieter face buttons, full-sized ALPS analog sticks, Hall Effect triggers, and two remappable back buttons. This model is pricier, but if you’d like a premium cradle for your smartphone, you can get this for $170.
The other big deal we’ve spotted is for 8BitDo’s own Android smartphone controller. Normally $50, it’s currently on sale for $22 for the black version, and $34 for the white version. It’s compatible with a wide array of Android devices that can fit inside its 100mm to 170mm base, and you’re getting some top-quality components here. This cradle has Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, back paddle buttons, a turbo function, and wear-resistant metal joystick rings. Since it’s compatible with 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2, you can also customize it extensively.
- 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller (Black) — $22 (
$50) - 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller (White) — $34 (
$50)
If you use a tablet to play games, you can also save a few bucks on Razer’s new line of Kishi controllers. The Kishi V3 Pro XL is for users who run with larger tablets, as it can fit 11- and 13-inch iPad Pro and Air models inside its frame, and it has several high-end components in its construction.