When Microsoft announced their “Everything is an XBOX” initiative, Backbone stepped up to offer an elegant means to make that happen. Now they’re celebrating the console’s 25th anniversary with some throwback colours.
Announced via press release, the Backbone Pro XBOX 25th Anniversary Edition is a limited edition version of the mobile controller featuring colours inspired by some of the translucent shells for the original XBOX released in 2001. The colours include, “Crystal Clear, Iconic Blue, and Bold Orange,” along with premium anniversary packaging and a collectible blind box experience.
Designed for players who want to play XBOX anywhere, the collector’s item controller is compatible with XBOX Cloud Gaming and Remote Play, and includes one month of XBOX Game Pass Ultimate for eligible new subscribers. The Backbone Pro is also backed by USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity, a 40+ hour battery, and full-sized ALPS thumb-sticks making it a convenient and effective option for mobile gamers. The Pro also offers a translucent “XBOX green” colour option, providing more choices for XBOX fans.
CGM was not provided details on when the Backbone Pro XBOX 25th Anniversary Edition controllers would be made available to the public, however pre-orders are set to go live through October 2026. Pricing details were also not provided however one would assume these colour variations would mirror the standard Backbone Pro, or even the Backbone Pro XBOX edition at $179.99 USD.
The Backbone Pro has recieved high praise for its ease-of-use, impressive construction and overall versatility for mobile gaming—particularly when connecting to XBOX Remote Play. CGM’s Matt Keith said the unit was, “a solid controller that is almost perfect,” adding, “the Backbone Pro is an excellent controller and would benefit those who enjoy more competitive mobile titles and love playing with a full-sized controller.”
