I'm a passionate gamer, but mastering my technique and satisfying my gaming needs on the go has been one of the toughest challenges. However, I have seen the Backbone One transform mobile gaming into a whole new experience.
When I wanted to extend my gaming time, especially during long trips that didn't involve driving myself, I used different avenues to go on new adventures using my phone. However, I was very disappointed.
Most of these controllers were gimmicky. However, neither option really got me interested in mobile gaming.
Honestly, when I first saw the Backbone One, I thought it would be another alternative without impressive features or a unique design. However, I changed my mind when I tried this controller.
Here's a comprehensive and honest Backbone One review to help you determine if this is the product you need to create a high-quality and functional mini portable gaming console. Read on!
Backbone Gaming Controller – Review Summary
I know there will always be mobile games that I really want to play, but using my phone has always resulted in intense headaches and hours of frustration. However, the Backbone One mobile controller has changed that.
This expanding controller grip is the perfect addition to my gaming equipment and the best solution to do some gaming on the go. While it got a few shortcomings, there's little I don't love about this device.
The Backbone gaming controller has a great design, feels comfortable to use, attach to different phone sizes, is compatible with Android or iPhone, and more.
It's slightly pricey, but there's no need to break the bank to buy this controller. It's definitely an affordable device that will help us improve our gaming skills using just our phones.
I know you can find different phone clips on the market, but most are clunky and low-quality. Many have poor designs, while others fail to provide good gaming experiences due to latency issues.
Seeing the Backbone One for the first time, I'm sure you'll think it looks nice but will also spend hours thinking about whether it's worth putting your hard-earned money into this device. However, I think you'll enjoy what this controller has to offer.
Do you want more detailed answers? Find them here! I've made this honest review after testing the Backbone One mobile controller for a few months. Read on to know my full opinion on this device.
Pros
- Impressive design
- Compatible with iPhone and Android
- Attach to multiple phone sizes
- Easy setup
- Supports different gaming experiences
- Comfortable to hold
- Low energy consumption
Cons
- High price
- Improvable finish
- Slippery grip if used with sweaty palms
What Is This About Backbone Review All About
Let's go back to touch controls. It is not a secret that new smartphones have more gaming capabilities. However, most are useless if we want to have a good gaming experience.
I don't mean to be rude, but that's the truth. Touch controls can ruin any gaming experience, especially if we are testing new gaming console releases and paying hundreds of dollars in monthly subscriptions to play our favorite games.
As I mentioned, I know there are many options on the market. Many are good, but latency issues, low-quality designs, and poor performance just turned me off.
However, the Backbone One managed to restore my confidence in mobile controllers and I was not disappointed. After testing it for a few months on my iPhone 12, I realized that it was really worth it.
Therefore, I thought I should do a review to share my thoughts with passionate gamers who, like me, were looking for a good addition to their noble gaming arsenal.
What Is the Backbone Mobile Controller?
Essentially, the Backbone One is what the manufacturer says it is– a mobile controller that slides onto smartphones to create a mini portable gaming console.
In other words, this device allows you to play all your games on your phone, offering a console-like experience that many gamers will enjoy. We stopped using our smartphones to simply make calls and send messages long ago.
Advances in technology have turned our phones into multipurpose devices we can use to make purchases and payments, work, use social media platforms, read, watch movies, listen to music, and more.
Many mobile devices, including smartphones, also include games. However, the gaming experience they offer was not comparable to passionate gamers' adventures on consoles. Well, that has changed.
While not the first, the Backbone One is a functional and high-quality mobile controller that makes any phone look like a Steam Deck or a Nintendo Switch. However, while it is expensive, it only costs a fraction of what you would pay for these consoles.
The Backbone gaming controller is compatible with multiple native mobile games available on the Apple Arcade or Google Play Store, depending on the version you choose. However, there's much more to explore.
We can use this mobile controller with many streaming solutions, which expands our game options for much more variety when playing on the go. Overall, the Backbone One is compatible with PlayStation Remote Play, Xbox Remote Play, Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and Amazon Lune.
In simple terms, we only have to snap in our smartphone to play any game with controller support, even if we love Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. In addition, we can stream directly from our platforms, whether it is a PC, our beloved PlayStation, or an Xbox.
Tech Specs
This mobile controller has both classic and impressive features. That's one of the reasons why it offers a nostalgic but top-class gaming experience.
These are the Backbone One's tech specs (version for iPhone):
- Low latency connection
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Compatibility with any game that supports controllers
- Allows users to capture screenshots and game clips
- Pass-through charging
- Compact design compatible with multiple devices
Backbone Mobile Controller Design
Undoubtedly, the Backbone One's design is one of its most impressive features. It's so attractive, whether you are a professional or amateur gamer!
I saw many Instagram ads before buying this mobile controller, and I have to say the brand did a great job capturing customers. As mentioned, the Backbone One makes any smartphone look like a Nintendo Switch. I mean, is there anyone who wouldn't love that?
This controller features a D-pad and an analog stick on the left-hand side. Also, we can find the face buttons and another analog stick on the right-hand side.
The analog sticks are similar to Nintendo's Joy-Cons and may lack some precision if compared to a full-scale pad, but they're great! I mean, we're just using a mobile grip, so I think they do a good job.
Although there aren't many customization options, we can make a crucial decision when buying our controller grip. It has to do with the design. There are two Backbone One versions. One has the standard Xbox buttons – A, B, X, Y. The other, the PlayStation Edition, has the glyphs of this popular console.
I really enjoyed the experience of using this controller. Buttons are clicky enough, while triggers offer a great amount of give.
Also, there's a sturdy structure we can stretch depending on our phone size – the backbone. It holds all the components together.
Personally, I think the Backbone One looks amazing whether it's wrapped around our phone or not. The design is modern and sleek.
While there are smaller alternatives, I think this controller is the most comfortable we can find today. Honestly, I don't think the manufacturer has worked too hard on the structure's ergonomics.
However, the Backbone One's designs have enough soft edges and curves to provide a comfortable grip. Plus, it's extremely lightweight. Since this controller weighs only 138g, your mobile gaming setup will be slightly over 300g if you use an iPhone 12.
There's only one thing I dislike – the Backbone One has a matte black finish with a slight sheen which looks nice but makes the controller look slightly "dirty" at times, as it picks up fingerprints.
However, I think this controller's overall design is amazing. Actually, I'm pretty sure that's what you'll love most about the Backbone One.
Any phone will look like a gaming console in seconds, so I think that's a true achievement for this controller.
Size & Weight Details
- Height: 3.70 inches or 93.9mm
- Width (Extended): 10.14 inches or 257.6mm
- Width (Contracted): 6.94 inches or 176.2mm
- Weight: 4.87 ounces or 138.0g
- Depth: 1.28 inches or 32.6mm
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Backbone One Mobile Controller?
As mentioned, the Backbone One is a game controller that connects directly to your smartphone, allowing you to play games with console-level control and precision. It's available for both Android and iPhone devices.
What Devices Are Compatible with the Backbone One Mobile Controller?
This innovative mobile controller is compatible with multiple Android and iPhone devices. If you buy the iPhone version, you'll find adapters in the box. The Backbone One includes an adapter for the following smartphones:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
To see a full list of compatible devices, please visit the product page on the Backbone website.
How Do I Connect the Backbone One to My Smartphone?
Connecting the Backbone gaming controller to your smartphone is so easy.
Simply attach the controller to your phone using the Lightning or USB-C connector. After that, launch the Backbone app.
This app will guide you through the setup process and help you get started. You'll be immersed in an impressive mobile gaming experience in just seconds!
Can I Use the Backbone One with Any Video Game?
The Backbone One is designed to work with multiple games, including popular titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Minecraft.
However, some games may not be compatible with the controller. If you want to see a list of supported games, please visit the Backbone website.
Is the Backbone One Mobile Controller Comfortable to Use?
Yes, it is! The Backbone One is ergonomically designed for comfortable, extended gameplay sessions. It features a durable, lightweight design with a textured grip for a secure hold.
Does the Backbone One Mobile Controller Come with a Warranty?
Yes, it does. The Backbone gaming controller comes with a one-year limited warranty. If you experience any issues, please contact Backbone support for assistance.
How Long Does the Battery Last on the Backbone One Mobile Controller?
The Backbone One doesn't have a battery. This gaming controller uses minimal power from your smartphone, even when used for extended gaming sessions.
Can I Use the Backbone One to Play Free Games?
Yes, you can use the Backbone One to play free games on your Android or iPhone device, as long as the controller supports the game.
This controller is compatible with several games, including many free-to-play titles like Fortnite, Roblox, and Among Us.
You can visit the Backbone website or check the app's catalogue within the Backbone app to see a list of supported games.
Can I Play PC Games With the Backbone One?
Users can use the Steam Link app to stream their PC games directly to their phones to play their PC games on the go with Backbone.
