Microsoft says your "phone is an Xbox," so grab this highly-rated smartphone controller for Xbox Cloud Gaming, now at its lowest price in 12 months

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There's no need to wait for an Xbox handheld. For just $69, you can get a Backbone One mobile controller, which won our 'Best' award, for your smartphone.

Save $30 on a Backbone One mobile gaming controller for iPhone or Android this Black Friday.
(Image credit: Windows Central)

Microsoft's latest marketing campaign declared that everything with a screen is an Xbox. And if you're going to play on an Xbox, you need a controller.

Right now, you can get a Backbone One mobile gaming controller for iPhone or Android from Target for just $69. That's a $30 savings that you can use toward some Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (16.99 for one month from Target) to keep you gaming on the go.

Backbone One (for iPhone)
This is an Xbox
Backbone One (for iPhone): was $99.99 now $69.99 at Target

"Backbone has delivered the best controller for iPhone, fusing stellar hardware with cleverly integrated software. It shines when paired alongside Xbox Cloud Gaming, bringing a full console-like experience to mobile, mirroring handhelds like the Nintendo Switch." — Matt Brown

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

✅Perfect for: Gamers on the go who don't want to pay the higher price for a handheld console or want to utilize Xbox Cloud Gaming.

❌Avoid if: You don't want to remove your phone case to use a handheld controller.

👉See at: Target.com

💰Price check: $69.99 at Amazon.com | $69 at Walmart.com

Alternative deal: $30 off Backbone One (for Android) at Target

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A budget-friendly entry point to handheld gaming

The handheld gaming revolution is in full swing, with consoles like the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally shaking up the concept of gaming on the go. These consoles can cost hundreds of dollars, but some more high-end versions even push a grand price tag. And that doesn't even consider that we're all still actively waiting for Xbox to release a native handheld console.

There is undoubtedly a barrier to entry to handheld gaming. Thankfully, we also happen to be in an era when nearly everybody has a supercomputer in their pocket in the form of a smartphone that can—and probably already does—play games.

Backbone One Controller

The Backbone One controller is the best mobile gaming controller for Xbox Cloud Gaming. (Image credit: Matt Brown | Windows Central)

Accessories like the Backbone One make it possible to turn the smartphone you already have in your pocket into a handheld console without draining your rainy day fund. The Backbone One is iPhone-compatible and Android-compatible and pairs exceptionally well with Xbox Cloud Gaming (available only through an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription) to get you playing whenever you want, wherever you want. You're not just limited to playing games available on Game Pass, either, as Xbox has recently announced an update that lets users bring their own games to streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

In the Windows Central review of the Backbone One, we dubbed it one of the best controllers for Xbox Cloud Gaming. That said, there are some trade-offs when opting to use your smartphone and a controller instead of a handheld gaming console. Unlike handheld gaming consoles, the games require a high-speed internet connection to stream them. There's also the added cost of an Xbox Game Pass subscription, which is required to access cloud streaming of Xbox games. However, the Backbone One is also compatible with native mobile games.

At just $69, the Backbone one is an excellent way to get into the Xbox ecosystem while on the go—at least until an Xbox handheld officially comes along.

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Cole Martin
Cole Martin
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Cole is the resident Call of Duty know-it-all and indie game enthusiast for Windows Central. She's a lifelong artist with two decades of experience in digital painting, and she will happily talk your ear off about budget pen displays.