It’s no secret that Xbox Game Pass still doesn’t have the best reputation right now after its recent price hikes, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any value left for anyone still subscribed to the monthly service. In addition to the surplus of rotating games to play this month and beyond, features like Xbox Cloud Gaming and remote play are incredibly underrated options that not every Game Pass subscriber takes full advantage of.
Even if you’ve never used these Game Pass exclusive services before, the subscription model as a whole pairs perfectly when combined with other systems and consoles, especially with the right hardware. Thankfully, there are always new ways to take full advantage of the features provided by Game Pass, which just got even better thanks to a recently released collaboration with the controller manufacturer Backbone.
Backbone Pro Xbox Edition Helps Bridge The Gap Between Devices
Acting as a follow-up to the original Backbone One Xbox Edition released in 2021, the Backbone Pro Xbox Edition Bluetooth controller is a brand-new controller designed from the ground up. Available on Amazon, Best Buy, and the official Backbone store, the latest controller collaboration aims to combine the classic style of the original Halo-inspired controller with all the bells and whistles of Backbone’s Pro controller variants, such as:
Full-sized ALPS Joysticks and hall effect triggers
Larger form factor with sculpted grips
Seamlessly switching between devices with FlowState
Faster USB-C charging
Full customization with remapping, profiles, and screen pairing
Textured grips & high-gloss buttons
Up to 40 hours of wireless playtime
Automatic updates while idle
While it’s easy to mistake the controller itself for a simple mobile accessory, the interesting part is the Backbone Pro Xbox Edition’s all-in-one ability to swap between devices with a tap of a button. Rather than going through tedious menus or re-pairing devices each time, this controller will let you connect physically to your phone, or wirelessly to your PC, Tablets, Smart TVs, VR headsets, and more.
The Backbone Pro Xbox Edition also comes with 1 month of Game Pass Ultimate, which only applies to new subscribers of the service.
Given that Xbox seems to be distancing itself more and more from being a primary console competitor, especially after the rumors surrounding its 2026 release window, the future of Xbox might come from accessories like these rather than additional first-party systems.
One thing worth noting: you need to pay an additional Backbone+ monthly fee to use the universal app to launch your games from the same place. Without it, you can still download and swap between apps like Steam Link, Xbox Gaming, the Play Store, and more on their own.
All-In-One Controller Solutions Are Underrated Accessories
As someone who has several wireless controllers for various devices scattered around to avoid pairing frustration when I just want to hop into a game, the idea of an all-in-one controller like the Backbone Pro Xbox Edition sounds great at first. However, it does come with one major caveat for some players.
The biggest drawback to the controller itself is its high price tag, as the new exclusive variant will set you back $179.99. While having a single controller to use with all your gaming devices does prevent you from having to buy and maintain several between them, it’s a steeper entry price than most Game Pass subscribers would be willing to pay up front. That being said, it’s a little easier to accept the steep cost when compared to the equally high prices and product failure rates of the official Xbox Elite Wireless Controllers.
Even when compared to the massive ROG Xbox Ally gaming device, wireless options like the Backbone Pro Xbox Edition are also a much more convenient option for most gaming situations. An attachable controller is easier to store and pull out in both private and public settings, as long as you have a nearby device or connection speeds to support cloud gaming.
The Ultimate Game Pass Controller?
