Backbone One (2nd Gen) only brings design improvements over the 1st Gen, including a wider bridge extension to fit larger phones and swappable magnetic adapters to fit phone cases. Buttons and D-pad are also improved for better responsiveness and more precise controls, but the rest of the specs and features remain largely unchanged compared to the 1st Gen model.
Backbone One 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen: 4 Aspects Compared
By Naila Syifa
Updated May 2024
In March 2024, Backbone unveiled its second generation of Backbone One, which replaced the original Backbone One (1st Gen) mobile gaming controller. What improvements does the second generation bring over the first generation, and are they significant enough for an upgrade for existing owners?
In this article, we'll examine Backbone One (1st Gen) and Backbone One (2nd Gen) across 4 comparison aspects to uncover the similarities and differences between the two.
Key Takeaways
Backbone One (2nd Gen) only brings design improvements over the 1st Gen, including a wider bridge extension to fit larger phones and swappable magnetic adapters to fit phone cases. Buttons and D-pad are also improved for better responsiveness and more precise controls, but the rest of the specs and features remain largely unchanged compared to the 1st Gen model.
Backbone One (1st Gen)
The Original Mobile Gaming Controller
✓ Ultra-Low Latency Gameplay
✓ Pass Through Charging
✓ 3.5mm Headphone Jack
✓ Compatible with Android and iPhone
Backbone One (2nd Gen)
Improved Mobile Gaming Controller
✓ Ultra-Low Latency Gameplay
✓ Pass Through Charging
✓ Swappable Magnetic Adapters
✓ Universal Compatibility
#1 Price
Backbone One (1st Gen)
Backbone One (1st Gen) and Backbone One (2nd Gen) are available in 4 different versions: Standard Edition with Lightning connector, Standard Edition with USB-C connector, PlayStation Edition with Lightning connector, and PlayStation Edition with USB-C connector. Every version has the same pricing, and the only differences are the connector types (Lightning for iPhone versus USB-C for Android phones and iPhone 15 series) and button markings (Xbox's letters ABXY on the Standard Edition versus PlayStation's shapes on the PlayStation Edition).
Backbone One (2nd Gen) retails at US$99.99, which is the exact same price as the Backbone One (1st Gen). The first generation is no longer sold on Backbone's website, but can still be found at some third-party retailers. If you're lucky, you may be able to find the first-generation Backbone One at a discounted price.
#2 Design
Backbone One (2nd Gen)
At a glance, Backbone One (2nd Gen) looks very identical to the Backbone One (1st Gen). The overall layout of the buttons and controls remains the same, and the shape of the controller as well as the overall size and weight is also largely unchanged.
When we look closely, however, there is a subtle difference in design. The Backbone One (2nd Gen) comes with large magnetic adapters pre-installed, which we can swap out with the included small adapters to fit phone cases. Compared to the first generation, this improvement offers greater flexibility in accommodating different phone cases. Magnetic lock also makes it easier to swap adapters. In addition, two different adapters ensure a secure fit for enhanced phone stability during gameplay.
Backbone One (2nd Gen)
Another design difference is noticeable once we extend both controllers. The Backbone One (2nd Gen) has a longer bridge extension at 265 mm, which is almost 8 mm longer than the Backbone One (1st Gen) at 257.6 mm. This enables the second generation to accommodate larger phones compared to the first-generation model.
During the test, we also found the back triggers to travel more smoothly on the Backbone One (2nd Gen). This could be another design improvement for better responsiveness and feel, which aligns with the company's claims that the "D-pad and face buttons have been updated to ensure even more precise and responsive input".
#3 Features
Backbone One (1st Gen)
In terms of features, we found no differences between both models. The first and second generations of Backbone One both offer the same core features, including low-latency gaming, record and screenshot capture, pass-through charging to keep our phone charged during long gaming sessions, and compatibility with headsets with 3.5mm audio jacks for added immersion during gameplay.
The Backbone app is also supported by both models, extending the features even more with the ability to discover new games, connect with friends, stream on Twitch, and more.
#4 Supported Games
Backbone One 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen
Both generations of Backbone One support the same wide range of mobile games across iOS and Android platforms. We can play any game that supports controllers, and Android users benefit even more from the TouchSync Controller Mapping feature, which enables controller support for previously incompatible games, so we can enjoy a wider library of mobile games on Android.
Both models also support cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia GeForce Now, or Amazon Luna. Remote play for PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam is also supported.
A membership to the Backbone+ subscription also gives us the ability to play on any screen, so we can use the Backbone One to play on tablets, laptops, or PCs, instead of just mobile phones.
Backbone One (1st Gen) vs Backbone One (2nd Gen)
Final Thoughts
Backbone One (2nd Gen)
Overall, the Backbone One (2nd Gen) represents a modest update over the original Backbone One (1st Gen). While the design has been slightly refined with swappable magnetic adapters, a longer bridge extension, and better responsiveness, the core functionality and features remain largely unchanged between the two generations.
For existing first-generation owners, upgrading to the second-generation Backbone One may not be a necessity, unless phone case compatibility becomes a major concern. For new users or those looking to purchase a mobile gaming controller, the Backbone One (2nd Gen) is a compelling option that offers a high-quality, low-latency gaming experience on the go.
If you like to read more about Mobile Gaming Controllers, check out our other relevant guides here:
Razer Kishi V2 vs Backbone One (1st Gen)
Razer Kishi V1 vs Backbone One (1st Gen)
Razer Kishi V1 vs Kishi V2
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