Backbone’s at it again with another eye-catching collaboration, and honestly, this one feels like it was delivered straight from the world of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.
Backbone has unveiled the Backbone One: Death Stranding 2 Edition, a limited-release smartphone controller made with Kohima Productions and PlayStation.
Priced at $160, they’re only making 1350 units of these, and each is packaged in a collectable, numbered Pelican case – a nod to Sam Porter Bridges and his obsession with keeping cargo safe.
Built on the second-generation Backbone One design, this special edition mirrors the PlayStation-style version, but it’s got those little Death Stranding details fans will spot right away. The controller features transparent front windows so you can actually see the circuitry inside, plus a colour scheme that pulls right from the game’s moody, rain-soaked world.
As for how it works, it’s the same great Backbone experience. You get the redesigned D-pad, analogue sticks, triggers, and magnetic adapters that make snapping in your phone easier. You can even fold the controller and toss it in your bag. Plug it into your iPhone or Android, and your phone instantly transforms into a handheld gaming console.
This isn’t Backbone’s first collaboration with Kojima Productions actually teamed up before. Last year’s Death Stranding: Director’s Cut controller turned heads for its transparent yellow casing, which got a lot of buzz online.
If you miss out on this run, don’t worry. Backbone’s regular controllers are still around in back or white for $100. Or if you want something fancier, the Backbone Pro features Hall Effect triggers, full-sized ALPS sticks, and two remappable back buttons for $170/£169.
The launch comes a few months after Death Stranding 2:On the Beach, a game that stands as one of the most unique PS5 titles. There’s even an anime and a live-action A24 film currently in the works.
You can preorder starting November 6 via Best Buy, Backbone’s website, and the Kojima Productions Store. If you’re interested in other options, check out our best mobile game controllers of 2025.
