Customer Ratings & Reviews

[Employee of bestbuy] Really amazing product! I’ve been using it for gaming took it recently on a trip this past week, and it literally does the job better then any other handheld gaming device, from switching your phone into a literal gaming device and it also even sets it up with the BackBone app, lets you play amazing titles such as Fortnite, Minecraft, Call Of Duty Mobile and so so much more! Even DS games if you know what I mean hehe. Highly recommend this device for anyone who’s looking into a handheld and wants to play great titles anywhere you go! By the way, it feels really premium and outstanding from the triggers to the buttons and movement on the joysticks.

It is well worth the cash just need to revisit the port and how it secures to a device and make it universally for ALL gaming platforms all on its app

The Backbone is very good bc it helps me game better than before I brought it and I have had my backbone for over 2 years now

Great product good for long road trips or just a break at work

Change my whole experience at gaming on my phone..

I love this product I get to play my games from Xbox and PS5 by connecting to my cloud.

I absolutely love using the Backbone gaming controller for my iPhone — it makes playing mobile games feel so much smoother and fun, as if I’m using a console controller. The buttons are responsive and comfortable, and the whole setup feels super sturdy whenever I’m gaming on the go. Even quick sessions or long marathons feel better and more immersive with it.

Simple responsive and great quality best investment for mobile gaming on the go or on the couch smooth controls comfortable grip compatibility with App Store games and streaming service is instant no lag the gen 2 version in particular having the ability to use with your phone case is a big game changer and makes for more streamlined approach to gaming on mobile devices

If you’re looking for the fastest and most comfortable way to turn your iPhone into a legit handheld gaming device, the Backbone One is honestly your best bet. It feels great to use and works perfectly with cloud gaming, emulators, and pretty much any mobile game that supports a controller.

I travel a lot and I’ve seen several people using these on the plane. I finally had to cave and grab one whenever I saw it on sale. I only game on Xbox, so going through the browser to get to the cloud gaming beta was pretty easy and I was amazed at how seamless the process was and how responsive the controller was. My only regret is that I just bought the iPhone 16 Pro and now I’ve got to go get the USB-C version since the lightning one is obsolete for me.

I got this Backbone One Lightning game controller for my Nephew. He absolutely loved it. It works with his current iPhone. Because he takes lots of trips for his job, he can easily play for hours on the plane. He is thankful for this gift. I'm sure he'll get many long hours of play with this controller.

Awesome!! So happy to be able to play games on the GO! Works like a charm!

I have just started using the backbone and it works great. It has its own app, which you pay to use, and I have tried it with XBOX cloud without any problems. It seems to be a pretty solid controller. I just couldn’t get it to work with my phone case on.

For a long time since the initial smart phones were getting games on them I was hoping that a controller would initially get designed for them. Fast forward to the here and now. We finally got it! Back bone. Being a long die hard Iphone user I have to say dreams come true. My second dream eventually got answered when Iphone went from lightning to USB C. But back to the review. I remember the days of the PSP, and the PSVITA. Oh, the joys of mobile gaming. But that meant I had multiple devices to carry. Now the best of both. Pop your phone in your back bone. Whether you have lightning or USB C you're good 2 go. You also get your mobile data! Even better. A device made better. Phones able to order pizza, watch youtube, tv, movies, and now play games. We are definitely heading in my childhoods mind of the right direction. Great job. Great design. One couldn't be happier with the purchase!

Hands down one of my favorite purchases in a long time. Not usually one to game when I’m out running around, but it makes it so compelling. It definitely works best with WiFi but if you have a good signal depending on the games you play it’s not too bad especially if playing games meant for phones. However it does connect to the Xbox and you can stream a lot of different games. It’s a great deal when compared to other handheld gaming option's. Do note that you do have to get a backbone subscription but it’s not a bad price and you still come out better price wise compared to other handheld gaming options. Also I’ve had two the first generation and second generation. The newer one is definitely faster and feels sturdier.

nice size perfect for car rides and trips. Fits phone with the case on.

This is a solid controller that makes playing games on your phone feel more like a console. I got it to play Castlevania Symphony of the Night and it was a pleasure. The only way it could have been better is if it was able to cast to the tv without any delay but I don’t know of one that can so no fowl.

This device works flawlessly, there is no lag and the analog thumb sticks are high quality. It’s truly just plug and play.

The Backbone app is beautiful! It feels like it turns your phone into an actual console or handheld gaming device. However, the controller itself was a bit small for my hands mind you I have large hands, but the overall quality of the controller and the buttons are a 10 out of 10! Would recommend to anybody!

Comfortable, no lag. Perfect for my iPhone 16 pro max.