Backbone gaming controllers launch in trendy pink and purple exclusively at Target

Backbone Pro limited edition purple and pink.
Backbone Pro Pink Edition (Image credit: Backbone)

Two new Backbone limited-edition mobile controllers are headed exclusively to Target. The Dream Purple Backbone One sells for $99.99 at Target, while the Mauve (pink) Backbone Pro sells for $169.99 at Target.

Online orders are available starting Oct. 5, and then these devices can be found in stores on Oct. 6 while supplies last.

For those not familiar with Backbone, it offers a mobile gaming controller built for Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and other cloud platforms.

Our very own Jez Corden reviewed the Backbone Pro in June 2025 and gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars, and Matt Brown reviewed the Backbone One back in 2022, also giving it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Let’s take a closer look at these Target-exclusive colors and some of the features that make these some of the most highly rated mobile controllers on the market.

Features and design

The Backbone Pro features large ergonomic grips with textured triggers and a refined profile. It supports wired low-latency play through USB-C, as well as Bluetooth with up to 40 hours of battery life.

It also includes two programmable back buttons for custom controls, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and USB-C pass-through charging. A dedicated capture button makes it easy to take screenshots and clips.

On the hardware side, the Backbone Pro uses Hall Effect triggers, which rely on magnets and sensors instead of physical contact. This design helps them last much longer than traditional triggers. However, the Backbone Pro does use standard sticks, which means stick drift is still possible, as Jez noted in his review.

The Backbone One doesn’t pack all the same features as the Backbone Pro, such as no hall effect joysticks, but it comes in at a lower price. Backbone describes it as the most accessible way to transform a smartphone into a portable console.

Cloud gaming adoption and why controllers matter

Cloud gaming is one of the fastest-growing parts of the industry. In 2023, it generated around $3.5 billion in revenue, and Bloomberg Intelligence projects it could expand tenfold to become a $40 billion market within the next decade.

Faster internet speeds are driving this growth, the rollout of 5G, and the rising demand for gaming on mobile devices, especially in regions like India, where consoles are less accessible.

According to Bloomberg, Xbox is on track to dominate with roughly 40% of the market share, putting it well ahead of PlayStation and NVIDIA, which remain strong competitors.

Cloud gaming isn’t perfect, though. Latency, data usage, and regional availability are still hurdles. Even so, its momentum is undeniable, and having a controller like the Backbone Pro or Backbone One can give you a real edge when playing in the cloud or on your phone.

New Target-exclusive colors

For those who love to mix up the color of their gear, Backbone is releasing one new variant of the Backbone Pro and one new variant of the Backbone One.

The Backbone Pro is getting a new Pink Edition at $169.99. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys anything and everything pink. It’s not quite my cup of tea, but for people like my sister who have an all-pink setup and enjoy gaming on their phone from time to time, it’s a great addition to the Backbone Pro lineup.

Now, something a bit more my cup of tea, the Backbone One Purple Edition. Purple is one of my favorite colors — well, after blue, orange, and yellow, so maybe not quite at the top, but still up there. The Purple Edition comes in much cheaper than the Pro at $99.99.

Both the Pink Edition Backbone Pro and the Purple Edition Backbone One will be available exclusively through Target, launching online on October 5, 2025, and in stores on October 6, 2025.

Backbone One USB-C Dream Purple Mobile Game Controller
Backbone One - Purple Edition
Backbone One USB-C Dream Purple Mobile Game Controller: $99.99 at Target

The Backbone One Purple Edition, exclusive to Target, transforms your iPhone or Android into a portable console. With improved magnetic adapters, a redesigned D-pad, and support for Xbox Game Pass, Apple Arcade, PlayStation Remote Play, and more, it’s a lightweight controller that makes mobile gaming simple, stylish, and seamless.

👉 See at: Target

Backbone Pro Mauve Mobile Game Controller - Pink Edition
Backbone Pro - Pink Edition
Backbone Pro Mauve Mobile Game Controller - Pink Edition: $169.99 at Target

The Backbone Pro Pink Edition is a Target-exclusive controller designed for performance and style. It packs in premium features like full-size ALPS thumbsticks, hall effect triggers, remappable back buttons, and up to 40 hours of Bluetooth play, all wrapped in a bold pink finish. It’s the most advanced Backbone yet, blending console-quality controls with a design that stands out.

👉 See at: Target


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Adam Hales
Contributor

Adam is a Psychology Master’s graduate passionate about gaming, community building, and digital engagement. A lifelong Xbox fan since 2001, he started with Halo: Combat Evolved and remains an avid achievement hunter. Over the years, he has engaged with several Discord communities, helping them get established and grow. Gaming has always been more than a hobby for Adam—it’s where he’s met many friends, taken on new challenges, and connected with communities that share his passion.

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