India’s gaming industry is undergoing an impressive expansion, with its market projected to grow from a valuation of $3.8 billion in FY2024 to an estimated $9.2 billion within the next five years. This surge in growth is being fueled by a growing base of mobile gamers, increasing internet accessibility, and the rise of competitive gaming and eSports in the country. As this dynamic sector continues to thrive, several brands are stepping up to offer products that enhance the gaming experience, and one such brand making its debut in India is Backbone, a company known for its high-quality gaming accessories. Their flagship product, Backbone One, is poised to be a game-changer for mobile gamers across India, offering an affordable yet sophisticated solution to take smartphone gaming to the next level.
The Backbone One essentially turns your smartphone into a portable gaming console. By simply attaching your phone to the device, users can enjoy a more tactile, responsive gaming experience compared to the traditional touchscreen controls. This functionality positions the Backbone One as a must-have accessory for mobile gamers looking for more precision, comfort, and an overall enhanced gaming experience. As Maneet Khaira, the CEO of Backbone, explains, “Over the past few years, we have seen a spike in competitive mobile gaming in India, which is why we are all the more excited to introduce the Backbone One to India. We want to be an intrinsic part of India's growing gaming community and enable gamers with the best tools to enhance their experience and give them a competitive edge.”
The Backbone One comes in two distinct variants to cater to the growing diversity of smartphones on the market. The USB-C model is compatible with the latest iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, as well as a wide range of Android devices, making it versatile for gamers using different platforms. On the other hand, the Lightning port variant caters to users with older-generation iPhones that do not feature USB-C connectivity. This adaptability ensures that the Backbone One can reach a wide audience of mobile gamers, regardless of their device type. For added variety, the Backbone One is also available in a PlayStation Edition, developed in collaboration with the Sony PlayStation team, which is ideal for users who are fans of PlayStation consoles and want to incorporate PlayStation-inspired elements into their mobile gaming experience.
When it comes to pricing, the USB-C and Lightning port models of the Backbone One are available starting at Rs 7,769, making them affordable for a wide range of gamers, especially considering the high-end features packed into the device. Meanwhile, the premium PlayStation Edition is priced at Rs 12,400, reflecting its special collaboration with Sony and the unique features that come with it.
The Backbone One comes with several notable features that enhance its usability and performance, making it a standout product in the market. These include triggers, thumbsticks, and a D-pad, which offer gamers a superior level of control during gameplay, especially in competitive or fast-paced gaming scenarios. Additionally, the controller comes with magnetic adapters that ensure it remains compatible with a range of phone sizes, providing a snug fit for different devices, whether large or small. This feature ensures that the product remains user-friendly for a wide variety of users.
One of the standout advantages of the Backbone One is its wide compatibility with popular games available on both the App Store and Google Play Store. Gamers can enjoy titles like Call of Duty: Mobile, Genshin Impact, Minecraft, and PUBG Mobile, all of which benefit from the improved control that the Backbone One offers. However, the device’s capabilities don’t end with mobile games. The Backbone One also allows gamers to stream and play console games via applications such as PlayStation Remote Play, Xbox Remote Play, and Steam Link. This makes it possible for players to enjoy their favorite PlayStation, Xbox, and PC games directly from their smartphones, bypassing the need for expensive consoles or gaming PCs.
Moreover, users can also access Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a subscription service that lets them play high-end games such as Forza Horizon 5 and Starfield directly on their mobile phones. This feature eliminates the need for a physical console, offering users a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy AAA titles on the go.
In terms of additional features, the Backbone One supports a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to enjoy high-quality audio while gaming. It also boasts an ultra-low latency connection, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted gameplay without noticeable lag, which is especially crucial for fast-paced games where timing is key. Gamers can also capture gameplay instantly, making it easy to share gaming moments with friends or on social media. Furthermore, the Backbone One allows for charging while playing, so users don’t have to worry about their phones running out of battery during long gaming sessions.
Portability is another key feature of the Backbone One. It comes with a collapsible design, meaning it can be easily folded down to a compact size that fits comfortably in your pocket or bag. This feature makes it ideal for mobile gamers who want to game on the go, whether they are traveling or simply looking for a more comfortable and portable gaming experience.
The introduction of Backbone One to the Indian market is timely, as the country’s gaming industry continues to thrive, particularly in the mobile gaming sector. As more and more gamers in India turn to smartphones for their gaming needs, accessories like the Backbone One are helping to bridge the gap between casual gaming and more serious, competitive play. With its combination of affordability, performance, and ease of use, the Backbone One is positioned to become a popular choice for gamers in India, whether they are casual players or dedicated enthusiasts.
As India’s gaming community continues to grow and evolve, products like the Backbone One will play an essential role in enhancing the overall gaming experience, giving players the tools they need to elevate their gameplay and stay competitive in the fast-paced world of mobile gaming. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gamer, the Backbone One offers a simple yet powerful solution to transform your smartphone into a high-performance gaming console, helping to fuel the future of mobile gaming in India.
