RIP Backbone One — I just saw the ultimate mobile game controller at CES 2024

(Image credit: Future)

At CES 2024, I got the chance to try out the Serafim S3 Cloud Gaming Controller. While the name may not be as catchy or memorable as the Backbone One, this new smartphone pad matches or beats it in almost every other way.

With customizability built into its fundamental design, a super comfortable ergonomic grip and compatibility to fit a whole host of thick and thin smartphones (even foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5), there is a lot to love here (and even more that I didn’t mention in that list).

For special (hall) effect

So to many nerds (shout-out), the phrase “hall effect joysticks” and “hall effect triggers” will be enough to have you channelling your inner Fry from Futurama and literally demanding that Serafim take your money.

But to explain it real quick, it is impossible for these joysticks to ever drift. If you’ve suffered the dreaded joystick drift with the likes of your Nintendo Switch OLED, you’ll know how huge this is. Not only that, but there isn’t a dead zone either — just nothing but smooth, seamless movement.

The whole hog

One of the reasons why Backbone One has remained dominant (in my opinion) is the fact the experience doesn’t stop at just the hardware. The Backbone app is easily best-in-class at providing a gaming OS for access to your entire on-phone library…well at least it was.

Serafirm is offering a lot of the same features, such as screenshotting, one-click recording, and easy access to all your recently played titles, but without the need to pay for a Backbone subscription to unlock all the features.

This is my next controller

Pair these with interchangeable grips for fine-tuned ergonomics and that additional depth of the controller’s brace to support super thick phones, then you’ll see just how impressive this system is, and how it’s well worth your hard-earned money… if only Serafim would release it!

Currently, Serafim is aiming for the first half of the year, and did confirm exclusively to Tom’s Guide that the price will be “less than $199.” You may be paying more of a premium for the additional hardware, but it will be so worth it.

Check out our CES 2024 hub for all the latest news from the show as it happens. Follow the Tom’s Guide team in Las Vegas as we cover everything AI, as well as the best new TVs, laptops, fitness gear, wearables and smart home gadgets at the show.

And be sure to check out the Tom's Guide TikTok channel for all the newest videos from CES!

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS

Jason brings a decade of tech and gaming journalism experience to his role as a Managing Editor of Computing at Tom's Guide. He has previously written for Laptop Mag, Tom's Hardware, Kotaku, Stuff and BBC Science Focus. In his spare time, you'll find Jason looking for good dogs to pet or thinking about eating pizza if he isn't already.