If you’re a mobile gamer with a taste for high-end collectibles, get ready to open up your wallet. Backbone has just unveiled a stunning new limited-edition mobile controller that is sure to turn heads and ignite the passion of Death Stranding fans worldwide. Following the success of their first collaboration, Backbone and Kojima Productions are back with a breathtaking new design inspired by the upcoming Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.
This isn't just a simple reskin; it's a meticulously crafted piece of gaming hardware that bridges the world of premium mobile accessories and iconic video game art. Let's dive into the details of this must-have collectible.
A Sequel in Your Hands: What is the Backbone One Death Stranding 2 Edition?
For the uninitiated, the Backbone One is a popular mobile controller that turns your smartphone into a handheld gaming console, similar to a Nintendo Switch or a Steam Deck. This new limited edition is based specifically on the Backbone One - PlayStation Edition, which means it features the iconic PlayStation shapes (Triangle, Circle, Cross, Square) on its action buttons instead of the standard ABXY layout.
This is a crucial detail for PlayStation fans who use their Backbone primarily for PS Remote Play, as it provides a familiar and seamless control scheme. Despite its PlayStation-centric design, Backbone confirms that this controller is fully compatible with both Android and iPhone 15 series devices that use a USB-C port, opening it up to a wide audience of mobile gamers.
The controller is available for purchase directly from the manufacturer and other select retailers.
You can check the official availability and full specifications on the Backbone website here.
For those who prefer shopping on Amazon, the standard PlayStation Edition, which this model is based on, is also available:
Find the standard Backbone One - PlayStation Edition on Amazon.
Design and Aesthetics: A Translucent Masterpiece
The star of the show is, without a doubt, the controller's design. Backbone has moved away from the opaque white and gold theme of the first edition and delivered something truly special.
- Blue Translucent Faceplate: The front of the controller features a gorgeous blue translucent shell, allowing you to glimpse the internal components beneath. This retro-futuristic aesthetic is a direct nod to the equipment and technology seen in the Death Stranding universe.
- Premium Blue Accents: The aluminum D-pad, action buttons, shoulder buttons, and triggers are all finished in a matching solid blue, creating a beautiful contrast against the see-through faceplate.
- Two-Tone Blue Design: The back of the controller is also blue, but it uses a different, opaque shade, adding depth and complexity to the overall design.
- Signature Yellow Clamp: A vibrant, yellow translucent clamp holds your phone securely in place. It's branded with the Backbone and Drawbridge logos on the front, while the back proudly displays the Death Stranding 2 name.
This controller isn’t just a tool; it’s a statement piece that screams "I'm a fan."
Limited Availability and What's in the Box
Understanding the collectible nature of this product, Backbone is making this a highly exclusive drop. Only 1,350 units of the Backbone One Death Stranding 2 Edition will be produced worldwide.
Each unit is a complete collector's package, including:
- The Backbone One Death Stranding 2 Edition controller.
- A commemorative collector's tag.
- An individually numbered, rugged collectible case to store and protect your investment.
It's important to note that, aside from the stunning new colorway and the included collectibles, the controller is functionally identical to the standard Backbone One PlayStation Edition.
Performance, Compatibility, and the Bottom Line
Functionally, this limited edition delivers the same excellent performance Backbone is known for. It offers low-latency gameplay, a passthrough charging port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It’s fully compatible with PlayStation Remote Play, Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Amazon Luna, and a vast library of native mobile games on the App Store and Google Play Store.
So, what's the damage? The Backbone One Death Stranding 2 Edition is priced at $159.99. This is a premium over the standard $99.99 model, reflecting its limited-run status and the included collectible case and tag. It's also worth noting that, unlike last year's edition, this controller does not include a copy of the original Death Stranding game.
How to Buy
Mark your calendars! The Backbone One Death Stranding 2 Edition will be available for purchase starting:
- November 6 at 9:00 AM PDT on the official Backbone website and Best Buy Drops.
- November 6 at 12:00 Noon JST on the Kojima Productions Store.
Given the extremely limited production run of only 1,350 units, expect this collectible controller to sell out incredibly fast. For fans of Hideo Kojima's unique vision and dedicated mobile gamers looking for the ultimate accessory, this is one connection you won't want to miss.
