A Comprehensive Backbone Review: Revolutionizing Mobile Gaming

Like many other avid mobile gamers, when I first saw Backbone, I assumed it would be another gimmicky smartphone controller with a bad design and zero concern for the gamer. However, after using the controller, I changed my mind, and maybe you should, too. Here’s an honest Backbone review to help you determine whether you should add this tech-savvy controller to your gaming equipment.

Backbone is a comfortable, compact, and classically executed mobile gaming controller that has revolutionized the mobile gaming industry. This sleek, crisp, and tech-savvy controller is designed for your smartphone to snap-in rather than mounted above, making for a sleeker and lighter accessory.

Backbone has made it easier for gamers to play their favorite controller-compatible games on their mobile phones. Compatible with both Android and iPhone devices, this mobile gaming controller has eliminated the headache, strain, and hours of frustration associated with mobile gaming. Now, players have a comfortable and easy-to-use controller for playing over 100 games on the go.

The Backbone Experience

At first glance, the Backbone controller looks sleek, feels nice, and is crisp. Featuring two expandable grips on either side, the controller snaps perfectly onto any mobile phone of any size. The collapsible controller slides open so you can easily fit most smartphones, whether you have an Android smartphone or lightning when you use an iPhone. The grip and hold are pretty snug, even for the tallest mobile phones.

Backbone is not clunky or low-quality like most mobile controllers in the market. Everything is smooth and sleek; the device makes any phone look like a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. To connect it, simply pull the two ends apart and plug in your mobile phone, and that’s it. There’s no Bluetooth pairing or other connection that needs to take place. You simply connect your phone, and it works, significantly reducing latency while elevating the gaming experience.

When it comes to games, the Backbone controller adapts easily and quickly to any mobile game. It’s compatible with multiple native mobile games available on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Apple Arcade. 

Some of these games include:

• Diablo Immortal
• Minecraft
• Call of Duty Mobile
• Genshin Impact

With Backbone, you can play mobile-native iOS games and next-gen console exclusives streamed from the cloud with no latency. You can also use Backbone with many streaming platforms, including Xbox Remote Play, PlayStation Remote Play, NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Amazon Luna.

All these give you a wide range of options to choose from when playing on the go, which transforms the iOS gaming and Android gaming experience.

Game-Changing Hardware

There’s no denying that Backbone’s design is its most appealing feature. From the intuitive controls and clickable thumbsticks to the zero latency feature, its attractive appeal is one of its key features. 

Its face buttons are clicky and have a mechanical feel, while the D button feels rubbery and soft. These make for the perfect combination when switching between controls while playing your favorite games.

Similarly, the Backbone’s edges and curves are soft and sleek, providing a comfortable hand grip. Playing mobile games for hours is easy as the sleek design doesn’t strain or stress your palms.

The controller’s overall design is fantastic, and if compared to other controllers in the market, Backbone has that sleek and sophisticated finish and appeal. Most phone controllers look bulky and tacky, while Backbone offers an attractive appeal, making it an accessory and a functional piece.

Backbone One

Backbone launched Backbone One in 2020 as its first-rate mobile gaming controller for iPhone users, but today, it’s also compatible with Android devices. Backbone One is a high-quality and functional controller that offers gaming fanatics a top-class gaming experience.

Backbone One’s top features include:

• Compact design compatible with multiple smartphone devices
• Stream directly from your Xbox, PlayStation, or PC
• Low latency connection
• A pass-through port to charge while you game
• A 3.5mm headphone jack 
• Compatible with any controller-compatible app game
• Can capture game clips and screenshots

The Backbone One controller is exceptionally lightweight, which is one of the features many gamers admire. Weighing only 138g, this controller barely adds weight to your mobile phone when gaming on the go. This, paired with the comfortable ergonomics of its soft edges and curves, takes mobile gaming to a whole new level.

As mentioned earlier, the Backbone One controller is compatible with Android and iOS devices of different sizes. Whether you have a Samsung phone or iPhone 12, simply pull both ends of the controller to fit your phone and enjoy mobile gaming.

Backbone PlayStation Edition

Backbone has recently introduced the Backbone PlayStation Edition, which features a black-and-white look with PS-standard labels instead of ABXY controls. The Backbone PlayStation Edition has the same gaming hardware as the Backbone One to ensure an easy-on, easy-off design. 

The Backbone PlayStation Edition has clicky controls with minimal latency, is exceptionally lightweight, and is compatible with cloud gaming. This controller is ideal for PlayStation fans who don’t want the mentally-tasking process of translating buttons from the common Xbox standards. This is because the Backbone PlayStation Edition app maps the controller with the PlayStation nomenclature within games. 

However, it’s essential to note that the controller has an Xbox-style thumbstick layout, but this is not a massive drawback for PS players.

The controller is sturdy and well-designed, and the black-and-white color combination offers a sophisticated and rich look. The beauty of the Backbone PlayStation edition is that it comes with amazing features that aren’t available on other versions. These include:

The Backbone App

Backbone has its own app that acts like a game hub or Discord-like client. This app stores all your game and Remote Play applications to offer a cohesive experience and a one-stop destination for all your mobile games. This way, you can discover new games, launch games, connect with friends, and stream on Twitch, all in one place.

When first connected, you’ll be prompted to download the Backbone App. Alternatively, you can access it by pressing the orange button on the front of the controller. This will launch the dedicated Backbone App.

The Backbone App has several tools, icons, and features to elevate your gaming experience. The first row contains your installed games and Remote Play services, such as Steam Link, Xbox Remote Play, and PlayStation Remote Play. You also have a tab for trending games and free games, making it easier to scroll through and find the game you’re looking for. 

Categories within the app are arranged in horizontally scrolling tiles for simple scrolling. If you see a game you like, just click it, and the app will download it on the spot without you having to transition back and forth from stores. This means you can launch games from a single home, whether from the App Store or Xbox Game Pass. 

You typically don’t need the Backbone app to use the controller for mobile games. Some players find it quite bloated with numerous tools and features, which makes it a little frustrating to use. If this is the case for you, skip it and just use the controller to play your favorite mobile games.

Recording with Backbone

You can easily activate video capturing and screenshots with the Backbone App across any device or streaming platform. The recorded games and screenshots are stored automatically in the gallery section within the Backbone app. As a result, videos don’t clutter your Camera roll, and you can view, clip, and share your content without leaving the interface. 

When you activate video capturing and screen recording, the Backbone button pulses red to indicate its recording. The recording feature captures your video in 1080p and 60fps for high-quality and crisp videos.

Conclusion

The Backbone gaming controller is undoubtedly a sleek, comfortable, and functional gaming accessory. I love using it when I’m traveling, and its lightweight and compact nature makes it easy to carry and use on the go. You can use the controller to play various online games or stream games remotely over Wi-Fi.

I tested the controller with a handful of games, including Call of Duty (Mobile), and there was zero latency using the sticks, buttons, and controls. The controls are highly responsive, and the two end grips felt comfortable in my hands.

Overall, I’d say it’s a good and high-quality gaming controller worth the $100 price tag. It has revolutionized mobile gaming by eliminating the stress, strain, and headache associated with gaming on your smartphone.

Unlock a new era in mobile gaming! Take your gaming to the next level with the Backbone Controller. Don’t miss out—grab yours today and elevate your gaming experience!