I saved a lot of money on the Backbone One Gen 2 by shopping in the US from New Zealand

My mobile gaming setup in 2026

I have spent most of 2026 marveling at how far mobile gaming has come. With AAA titles now launching simultaneously on consoles and mobile devices, my phone has become my primary gaming hub. However, I quickly realized that playing these high-fidelity games with touch controls is a struggle. That led me to the Backbone One (Gen 2). I wanted the updated USB-C version because it fits a wider variety of phone cases and feels much sturdier than the original model.

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The price gap between the US and New Zealand retail

When I looked at local retailers in Auckland, I was shocked by the markup. The Backbone One (Gen 2) often retails for a significant premium here. After a quick search on US sites like Amazon and Best Buy, I saw the price was often $30 to $40 USD lower. Even after converting to NZD and accounting for shipping, I found that I could save roughly $50 to $60 by ordering directly from the United States. I always suggest that my friends check the math before buying tech locally, as the savings on small electronics are often massive.

I used a shipping calculator at estimate shipping cost to see if the weight of the controller would eat into my savings. To my surprise, the light weight of the device makes it a perfect candidate for international shipping.

How I use a package forwarding service

Since most US retailers do not ship directly to New Zealand, or they charge an arm and a leg for it, I rely on a freight forwarder. By using comGateway, I was able to get a tax-free us address in Oregon. This meant I did not have to pay US sales tax on my purchase, which added another 7-10% to my total savings. Once my controller arrived at the warehouse, I was able to forward packages to my home address in New Zealand with ease.

I find that using a parcel forwarding service is the most reliable way to access the US market. If you are new to this, you can look at the FAQ on their site to see how the package forwarding process works from start to finish.

Shipping estimates for the Backbone One Gen 2

To help you plan your budget, I have put together some estimates based on my own experience shipping this specific controller. These figures help me use the shipping calculator more effectively.

Because the Backbone One (Gen 2) draws power from your phone's USB-C port rather than having its own battery, we do not have to worry about the strict lithium battery shipping regulations that usually apply to wireless controllers. This also keeps the weight down and reduces the international shipping rates you will encounter.

What I do when US stores block my New Zealand credit card

One hurdle I occasionally face is that certain US stores, such as Best Buy or the official Apple Store, are known to block international credit cards. They might also decline orders sent to a known freight forwarder address. This can be incredibly frustrating when you see a great deal that you cannot access.

In these cases, I use the "BuyForMe" service offered by comGateway. We basically tell them what we want to buy, and they use a US domestic credit card to purchase the item on our behalf. This is the safest way I have found to guarantee that an order does not get cancelled by a picky retailer. It takes the stress out of the process, and I have used it successfully for several limited-edition tech drops throughout 2026.

Import considerations for Kiwis

Before you shop us store sites, remember to factor in the international shipping fees. You can view the latest shipping fees to get an idea of the base costs. For New Zealand residents, it is also important to remember that GST is generally collected on low-value imported goods. However, even with GST and shipping costs, I have consistently found that my total spend is lower than the retail prices at my local mall.

If you have more questions about the logistics of getting your gear to NZ, I recommend checking the support section for detailed breakdowns on customs and handling. My experience shows that with a little bit of planning, you can get the best gaming hardware in the world without the local markup.