Customers admire the Backbone One controller for its portability, comfort, and ease of use. They appreciate its compatibility with various devices, including the iPhone 15 and Android phones. However, some users express concerns about the subscription requirement for certain features, the relatively high price, and the size and quality of the joysticks.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 5 Showing 81-100 of 1,498 reviews
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Feature locked behind subscription
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Solid but feels slightly cheap the plastic creeks, FYI, if you plan to use it with that iPad, make sure you activate the iPad option in the Backbone plus app before your free subscription ends or you’re locked out of using it with an iPad
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Pass through works great and the gaming hub is cool however i have 2 major issues with this product. First, the grips are horrendous. Not ergonomic and painful on your hands after heavy usage. Second the right stick is poorly tuned to the point that it becomes easier to play the game without the controller (Call of Duty Mobile for example). Theres no precision and i hope they fix these issues with the next model.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Backbone usb c controller
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I upgraded due to getting a new phone, everything works well
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Backbone ps edition
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Amazing. Works out of the box for almost all games.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
My son absolutely loves this. It's worth the money.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Waste of money
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Not great for xbox, PlayStation or steam mobile gaming. You need a subscription to backbone at $40/year to play xbox PlayStation or steam. You can play through the xbox gamepass app if you have it. It’s not even on the App Store anymore. For android or apple.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I enjoy the backbone very much this is actually the second one I’ve bought my only issue is the left side of the controller all of a sudden just stopped working this is the second backbone I’ve bought that’s done this and I just don’t know why it was working one second and the next it wasn’t
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Great in concept, low quality.
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Posted . Owned for 7 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
It works great, totally elevates game play. But I have had one warranty replacement cause it quit working, and now the replacement isn’t working either. 8 months and going to try a third
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Size
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Note 24 Ultra
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Disappointed that it is not compatible with all cases. I have two versions on Supcase and neither is compatible. I took case off and it seems to open up to just about that size, so with a case it hardly fits. The rubbers that hold it need to be wider to accommodate bigger cases.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I love the backbone, i just needed the playstation version of this product.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Not for me
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Can't figure out how to use it. Going to return it asap
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Best Gaming Controller for iPhone
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Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
PlayStation Backbone: The Ultimate Mobile Gaming Companion
The PlayStation Backbone isn’t just an accessory—it’s a gateway to transforming your mobile device into a legitimate gaming platform. Designed specifically for PlayStation enthusiasts, this mobile controller offers a seamless, high-quality experience that makes it an essential companion for gaming on the go.
PlayStation-Centric Design
Right from the unboxing, it’s clear that the PlayStation Backbone is tailor-made for fans of Sony’s gaming ecosystem. The controller mirrors the sleek design aesthetic of the DualSense, with familiar PlayStation button layouts and symbols. This isn’t just a visual nod—it creates a sense of continuity for players accustomed to the PlayStation experience. The controller feels natural in hand, almost as if you’re holding a compact DualSense, and its ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended sessions.
Seamless Cloud Gaming Integration
The Backbone truly shines when paired with PlayStation Remote Play. Connecting your iPhone to your PS5 or PS4 is remarkably simple, and the latency is minimal, provided you have a strong Wi-Fi connection. Games like Horizon Forbidden West or Spider-Man 2 translate beautifully to the smaller screen, with controls that feel tight and responsive.
But the versatility doesn’t end with PlayStation. The Backbone also supports cloud gaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce NOW, along with native mobile games. This flexibility makes it a one-stop solution for gamers who want the best of all worlds.
Build Quality and Comfort
The Backbone’s build quality is outstanding. It feels solid yet lightweight, striking the right balance between durability and portability. The telescoping mechanism accommodates a range of iPhone sizes securely, and the textured grips provide a firm hold without slipping. The tactile feedback of the buttons and triggers adds a level of precision that elevates the mobile gaming experience far beyond touchscreen controls.
Intuitive Software Integration
The Backbone app is an integral part of what makes this device so impressive. Once you connect the controller, the app acts as a hub for your games, streaming services, and more. The interface is clean and intuitive, providing easy access to your PlayStation library and cloud gaming platforms. The app also offers a variety of social features, like screen recording and instant sharing, that feel polished and well thought out.
Battery-Free Simplicity
Unlike many gaming peripherals, the Backbone doesn’t require charging. It draws power directly from your phone, which simplifies its use and ensures it’s always ready to go. While this does mean a slight drain on your phone’s battery, the trade-off is worth it for the convenience of never needing to worry about charging another device.
A Portable Gaming Revolution
At $99.99, the PlayStation Backbone is reasonably priced for what it offers. It’s a versatile, high-quality controller that brings console-level gameplay to mobile devices. Whether you’re grinding through your backlog via Remote Play or exploring the latest cloud gaming offerings, the Backbone delivers an experience that feels natural and polished.
Verdict
The PlayStation Backbone is a game-changer for mobile gaming. Its seamless integration with PlayStation Remote Play, coupled with excellent build quality and an intuitive app, makes it the definitive choice for PlayStation fans. But its versatility and comfort mean it’s also a fantastic option for anyone looking to enhance their mobile gaming setup.
Rating: 5/5
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I want to start off by saying that the Backbone works great. No issues with the controls, ergonomics, or design. It fits great into a backpack or vehicle door pocket. It's straightforward, plug in your phone, access the Backbone or other app (Xbox for me) and play.
For Xbox, it requires you to have Game Pass Ultimate to play remotely. If you do not already pay for this, then it is an additional monthly charge you'll need to add. You also need decent internet connection to prevent lagging gameplay. When I use 5G/5GUW, it works great - when I use cheap WiFi from businesses, it's laggy and almost unplayable - when I use higher quality WiFi - no issues.
Also realize that not all games are supported for remote play, so do your research before to see if what you want to play is available.
If you have a solid internet connection and are okay with the monthly fee for Game Pass Ultimate, then this is a fantastic way to take your games on the go.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Button quality, Overall performance, Portability
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Console-Level Control in My Pocket!
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Baskbone ONE USB-C completely transformed how I game on my phone. It’s lightweight but solid, super responsive, and just plugs in—no lag, no hassle. Whether I’m playing shooters, racing games, or emulators, it gives me that true console feel with clickable analog sticks and satisfying buttons. It’s a total game-changer for mobile gaming, and the fact that I can throw it in my bag and play anywhere makes it even better. If you take mobile gaming seriously, this is a must-have!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Button quality, Comfort
Cons mentioned:
Connectivity
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic option for mobile gaming!
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
If you have kids and often times you’re kicked off the tv for their entertainment, this is fantastic. Much to my surprise, it use this even more than I had intended on doing so. The grips themselves are comfortable. I’ve gone a solid 3 hours without any issues or fatigue. The buttons feel great. The sticks are about on par with a Nintendo switch joy con, which I think is good.
There is only one thing I don’t like that I find is rather annoying sometimes. The lack of PS button without having to manually tap on the screen to bring up the sub menu in the PS Remote play up. Which then ties into the touchpad functionality being flawed with having to tap on the screen multiple times to get it to pop up. The gestures for me as well in reference to the touch pad have been difficult.
Lastly because I feel like it’s sometimes at the back of your mind when purchasing something like this… if you have subpar network speeds at your home, your experience is going to be awful. Keep that in mind. If you don’t have the bare minimum network speeds recommended I would suggest passing on it.
One last plus thing.. while originally I had intended on purchasing the PlayStation portal, I settled into this because of the cost and the fact that the portal is seldomly in stock. I’m very happy with my decision.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Very good build construction. Feels good to use. Easy to put phone in and out. My complaints are that there is no dedicated PS home button and or touchpad button. The Backbone button always wants to switch you to the Backbone app, which has little usefulness. When using it with PS Remote Play, you have to tap it for some very precise amount of time to get the effect of pressing the PS button. Also, there is no button to simulate tapping the touchpad of a Dual Sense/Sual Shock 4, which is very frequently used in most games to get to the map or pause screen. But I think this issue is Sony’s fault
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Pro:
- It works with certain cases. I had to buy a thinner case to make it fit with the case. S24 Ultra + Spigen Thin Fit works with the included adapter.
- Aux port DAC & AMP is decent, enough to drive quality IEM fully. But on harder-to-drive headphones bass will be weaker.
- Decent build quality: It uses matte finish plastic feels nice and finger print resistant. Overall structure is pretty solid. It's a good balance between structural rigiditIt's a good balance between structural rigidity & portability. It's slightly better than Switch controller. Shoulder buttons has more travel range, and it's analog triggers from what I could tell.
The only con:
- Just like the switch controller, it's less ergonomic. Thumbs has to travel vertically between the stick and the buttons. Long sessions end up with awkward rear finger positionings. It's a tradeoff between portability and the comfort.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Button quality, Overall performance
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
The BEST Controller on the Market
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I recently purchased the Backbone One PlayStation Edition USB-C Mobile Gaming Controller for my iPhone 15 and Android devices, and I must say, it has completely transformed my mobile gaming experience.
Design and Build Quality
The controller sports a sleek, white design reminiscent of the PlayStation aesthetic, which is both modern and stylish. It feels incredibly sturdy and well-made, providing a comfortable grip for extended gaming sessions. The buttons are responsive, and the analog sticks are precise, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
Compatibility and Connectivity
One of the standout features of the Backbone One is its compatibility. It works flawlessly with both my iPhone 15 and Android devices, thanks to the USB-C connection. The setup was straightforward, and the controller connected instantly without any issues. The Backbone app also enhances the overall experience, offering easy access to games and a smooth interface.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Backbone One excels. The latency is minimal, which is crucial for competitive gaming. I tested it with various games, from fast-paced shooters to complex RPGs, and it performed admirably across the board. The responsive controls and tactile feedback made every gaming session enjoyable and immersive.
Additional Features
The Backbone One PlayStation Edition also comes with some impressive additional features. The capture button allows for quick and easy screenshots or video recordings of gameplay, which is perfect for sharing memorable moments. Additionally, the pass-through charging is a lifesaver, ensuring that my phone stays charged even during extended gaming marathons.
Value for Money
While the Backbone One is on the pricier side, I believe it offers excellent value for money. The quality, performance, and additional features make it a worthwhile investment for any serious mobile gamer. It bridges the gap between console and mobile gaming, providing a console-like experience on your mobile device.
Conclusion
Overall, the Backbone One PlayStation Edition USB-C Mobile Gaming Controller is a must-have accessory for any mobile gamer. Its sleek design, exceptional build quality, and outstanding performance make it stand out in the market. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, this controller will undoubtedly enhance your gaming experience.
Rating: 5/5
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I am a daily gamer of Genshin Impact and other games. Even though I have a large phone, having to use the game's screen can take away from the playing experience, and at times interferes with the ability to do certain moves quickly.
Having the Backbone has been a game changer!
It's compact design takes a bit to get used to, however it is much better than using the phone's screen.
Some games have had a bit of a loss of usage due to a button not doing what it was supposed to do, however I gave some feedback regarding the missing usage, I want to say within a few weeks, the issue was fixed!
Having that responsiveness has been a #1 keeper for me.