Customer Ratings & Reviews

I love this controller when I am on the go and even at home! The clarity is incredible, the latency is low, and the fun is endless. I use it with Xbox and apple games. The hardwire connection creates a much better experience than the Bluetooth controllers- it's also sleek and fits in your hands nicely. I can't wait to take it on some road trips!

I've owned the Backbone gaming controller for a modest length of time. I've been able to test it with my gaming laptop and xbox cloud gaming. I am extremely impressed with this controller. So, you might ask "Just what impresses me the most and why?". Let's be honest here. There are several choices of controllers like this that have flooded the market lately. Some great, some good, others not so much. Most promise certain things with varying functionalities and these devices really try to deliver on those promises only to fail You, the gamer, in the end. Not so regarding the Backbone controller for the iPhone. This controller will only fit an iPhone, so if you have an Android device, you'll need to try the Razer Kishi for Android or another brand of controller. The company that produces this controller has delivered on every promise they've made regarding specifically what this controller will do to helpmake your gameplay more enjoyable. With the iPhone connected, you can connect to and play games on Steam (at least the ones that have controller support), Xbox Cloud Gaming (because the iOS doesn't support gaming directly from your Xbox), Playstation's Remote Play (I have not personally tested this). It can be used for your iPhone games as well, naturally, along with other game streaming type services that are out there. I have used the Backbone controller extensively with Steam and Xbox Cloud Gaming and it works flawlessly! I have also use the controller by itself, connected by USB cable directly to my gaming laptop and it works flawlessly (this is a functionality that the company advertises, but doesn't make it a highlight in advertising, because the selling point is that you connect your iPhone to the controller and game away.). It does come with a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate(new subscribers only) and a year of Backbone+. I read somewhere that a month of Apple Arcade is included, but I honestly can't attest to this. I guess what impresses me the most is the versatility you get out of this thing! The number of game streaming services is one thing, but to be able to use this controller with no iPhone at all, connected to your computer via USB cable is something else. If you've got a few bucks that you want to spend in a piece of gaming hardware, or if you're needing to scratch that itch you've got for the next best thing, then get yourself a Backbone gaming controller for the iPhone. I honestly doubt you'll regret it!

I like the ability to turn my iPhone into a handheld gaming device. Being able to connect directly with my Xbox Series X and PS5, via cloud gaming, is great. The PS5 app, PS Remote Play, has been a little bit hit or miss, for me though. However, no issues at all playing any of my Xbox games. This may have more to do with Microsoft Xbox Live and X-Cloud being far more fleshed out and proven compared to Sony’s PS Remote Play. Joysticks feel good and buttons have nice tactile feedback. Bumper buttons are a touch close, but that’s understandable given the small size of the handheld device, as opposed to, an actual console controller. I like that the Backbone allows for charging passthrough, which is great if your phone starts to get low on juice. I used my AirPod Pros to listen while gaming, but having a 3.5mm headphone jack is appreciated. The Backbone interface is great with lots of options for gaming apps or connecting to consoles and other cloud-based gaming platforms. It’s very easy to navigate and feels well thought out. The ease of which I can switch between using the joystick controllers and buttons or simply using my finger to swipe on screen feels totally natural and organic. There’s also a nice amount of haptic feedback when in using the interface and in-game adding to the immersion. Though mostly positive, there are a few potential drawbacks. Not being able to keep my phone case on while using it would be my only major complaint. I feel as though my current case has a relatively slim profile, however, the way the Backbone is designed, it simply won’t allow the usage of phone case No matter how slim. There’s some raised padding that sits just inside either end of the controller. It’s there to help keep the phone from sliding around and offering some additional security and support while connected to the Backbone. However, that small raise in the pad means that it’s only suitable for a phone without a case. As soon as you add one, that raised pad won’t allow the phone to line up properly with the Lightning connector. That’s kinda inconvenient, and frankly, a bit of pain to have to take on and off when using the Backbone. Obviously, that’s nitpicking, but something worth mentioning especially, when there are newer competitors, like the Gamevice Flex, that allow for you to game with a slim case. I, also, wish it came with a travel case standard, too, as the whole purpose of it is for on-the-go mobile gaming. Overall, the Backbone is a good product with smooth controls and a nice interface. However, the not being able to game with a phone case on, lack of a travel case standard, and issues connecting to PS5/PS Remote Play, keep this from being perfect.

I don’t know why I waited so long but this controller is amazing! I normally use it for Xbox remote play at home and it works like you normally play on a big screen. It does come with a year free subscription but after the year it’s a $50 for the backbone app. You can still use the controller without the backbone app so don’t stress about it. Love having something portable in hands.

This is a simple to use travel device. My son played it and says it was easy to connect.

This device is the answer for the mobile gamer who wants to play their XBox/Playstation remotely. Make sure you have a fast 5G or Wifi connection to your phone and also a hardwire connection to your Xbox/Playstation console for the best performance. Honestly, I use a 5G TMobile connection and WIFI to my consoles and still only see slight frame skips. An inexpensive way to game on the go, and much better than Nintendo Switch in my opinion.

worth the money- works great with my iphone- easy to setup. now I just plug my phone in and its ready. no connecting or charging it. i just plug my charger into it if I want to charge my phone and the cord is not in the way of play! FYI - to get the amazon music free trial do it on a computer not your phone.

The controller is built well and seems sturdy. It snaps around your iPhone (but you’ll have to remove a case if you have one on it). There were no instructions other than inserting the cell phone, but between the Backbone app and the Xbox app, we managed to figure out pretty quickly and intuitively how to sync the Backbone with our home Xbox to stream games. Because it’s cellular to home and back, there is a slight lag in controller input, but it doesn’t seem to affect gameplay much. An absolute blast for the young gamers in the house to take their show on the road. Much more enjoyable and entertaining than most iPhone games. There is a free annual subscription to Backbone that auto renews after a year. It came with a free month of GamePass, which is a nice bonus. Otherwise GamePass runs $16.99/month, cheaper per month if you buy for longer terms.

Did manage to use it for a very long time, The games I played were GTAs and Fifa and Many fps ones. You get little less movement room than the traditional controller. But since the purpose of this controller is meant to be used remotely on iphone. Does its job perfectly

Amazing controller with a superb response rate. Must have for the mobile gamers. I was skeptical about it. I thought the hype about the backbone was not realistic. When this came out to Bestbuy for $99, i wanted to give it a try, which i am glad i did. No regrets here. fits your hand perfectly, easy to navigate and use the buttons. Also not heavy at all. I wonder if Backbone will release new skins which i would love to get one and customize mine. i definitely suggest to anyone who loves playing games on their apple iphones.

Very comfortable easy set up. Love it. Makes gaming easier.

Amazing. I used to have the Razor Kishi (Gen 1) and this is much better. Fits the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 14 Pro perfectly! Buttons are good and the Backbone app is perfect for iPhone users. Play Geforce Now and Xbox xCloud right in the app!!

My favorite $100 purchase in a long time. Easy installation and many games on Apple Arcade are compatible with the controller. Buttons have nice feedback and I can play for many hours with no discomfort in my hands.

Great accessory however only for iPhone. Tried to download Backbone app for iPad Mini, no dice. Only supports connection if you manually set the backbone to use on iPad. Just felt it had limited use. If you are using it primarily with your iPhone, then this Rocks!

I was so eager to love this while traveling. Conceptually, it’s great. Super comfortable and ergonomic. Buttons highly responsive. Supports phone securely in place + option to charging passthrough on bottom right of controller. If you are planning to use this to play downloaded games to your phone from Apple Arcade/Store, the backbone is a wonderful option. If you’re scooping the Backbone to play XBox or Playstation remotely, I would reconsider and/or run some tests via respective console before purchase. it’s fully possible that my home network speed just isn’t supportive of remote play. If that’s the case, then the Backbone is a great value for remote gameplay. Isn’t suitable for my needs so I’m personally returning :(

Controller itself is very good quality, great for the price. Two reasons why I’m giving it 4 stars, 1 you can’t use it with any case or camera protector glass and 2 it makes you download and purchase an app. Other than that the controller works fine great for gaming.

I love it. The buttons are clicky and responsive. It enables me to game on the go without having a bulky controller that sticks out like a sore thumb. The adapter for the 13 pro max is great too.

Great Product for on the Go Gaming! Very easy to install on phone as well as app! Works amazing with Xbox Game Pass and my iPhone 11Pro. Really like the wired headset port and wired power port on controller. Able to charge phone and play.

Great product, works as designed. My 11 yr loves to be able to plug the phone in on the go. Best Buy pickup was fantastic, super helpful customer service.

Love this for gaming on the go if I don't bring my switch I bring this super easy to travel with! only downside is I have to take off my case for it to be put on but other than that its a great product