Getting a rare Fortnite skin is always a mission that players take seriously. However, this time, the rules of the game are changing. To get your hands on Clyde, a new skin with an already coveted design, you don’t just have to spend a few V-Bucks. Epic Games is banking on a much more muscular strategy: exclusivity is linked to the purchase of a high-end accessory, the Backbone Pro controller.
An offensive marketing campaign that combines digital scarcity and premium hardware. And which forces fans to review the way they enrich their collection.
A sales strategy that targets mobile gamers
The announcement came at the beginning of December 2025: obtaining the Clyde skin requires acquiring the Backbone Pro controller, sold for €179.99. No code in a classic bundle or temporary event: the skin is locked behind a hardware barrier. For cosmetics hunters, the news made people cringe. For Epic Games and Backbone, it is a way to create a unique bridge between mobile gaming and professional equipment.
As the INFINITY AREA article explains, “the Clyde skin on Fortnite is not a gift from the sky: it is the premium bonus of a high-end hardware offer”.
Backbone Pro: a controller designed to dominate on mobile
The stakes of the operation go far beyond the simple cosmetic bonus. Backbone is banking on a promise: transforming a smartphone into a competition-level portable console. With its refined design, high-end components and advanced options, the Backbone Pro stands out from classic accessories.
- Full-size ALPS joysticks for surgical precision
- Customizable rear buttons designed for speed
- FlowState technology that allows seamless switching between mobile, TV or PC
- Battery life of 40 hours, enough to last a whole weekend without recharging
Author Florian Prache doesn’t mince his words: “you get your hands on a monster of technology. The Backbone Pro is not a plastic gadget, it’s an extension that transforms your smartphone into a competitive portable console.”
What if we already have the controller?
For players already equipped with the Backbone Pro, the question of the Clyde skin does not remain unanswered. Epic Games and Backbone have not forgotten the first buyers.
Simply launch the Backbone app and claim the code associated with the offer. “Current Backbone Pro controller owners can get the skin for free. Simply go to the Backbone app to claim their code.”
Will the Clyde skin ever be available differently?
Epic Games remains silent on a possible future availability of the skin in the official store. But the precedents suggest a possibility: many formerly exclusive skins (like the Samsung Galaxy or the NVIDIA pack) ended up being put on sale, often several months later.
According to Florian Prache, “if you swear by the skin, patience is your best ally. But if you were looking for an excuse to upgrade your mobile setup with an elite controller, now is the time to kill two birds with one stone.”