An easily attachable controller for your phone that allows you to play all the best mobile compatible games quickly and easily, whilst also giving you a very close experience to what console gaming is like on a mobile, we take a look into the innovative Backbone One.
First Impressions
Straight out of the sleek blacked out box, the Backbone One looks like the real deal, with a clean and not too cluttered pad joined together by a sturdy adjustable spine that reaches from one side of the controller to the other.
Based off just the look, I was excited to test it out as it seemed like it was pretty close in quality compared to an actual controller, with some mobile game controllers sometimes feeling like they are a big stepdown from using a proper console controller. They often have a flimsy feel which I did not sense whatsoever when picking up the Backbone One.
Design
Like I said previously, the Backbone One is probably the best controller for the mobile gamer if you want it most to feel like you are using an actual Xbox or PlayStation controller to play mobile games, and it is clearly evident when looking at the design of the Backbone One.
It’s look first reminded me most of the Nintendo Switch Joycons, with a pair of slightly small and agile sticks, no gripping texture apart from a raised ring around the edge and the relatively flat bumpers and triggers.
The buttons vary in design whether you get the PlayStation version of the Backbone One (the version that we tested) or the Xbox version, with each version having an identical button and d-pad design to its respective console controller. Each version will have the same Backbone button which takes you instantly to the Backbone App (I will break down the app later in this article), screenshot/screen record button, a ‘menu’ button and a ‘options’ button.
These buttons are extra responsive and comfortable to click, with no stiff awkwardness when pressing buttons quickly or when shooting using the triggers. The controller itself when in my hands feels smooth and rests in my palms comfortably, although I must say some extra grip around the bottom of each controller would have been welcomed.
Functionality
A relatively simple layout combined with a high-quality feel and finish, the Backbone One is easy to get used to and takes little effort to set up. You simply slide your phone in between the two halves of the controller, resting in the adjustable spine and then plug it into the provided Lightning connector.
Backbone opting for a Lightning connector means your phone will recognise the controller automatically, saving the whole process of having to attempt to pair your phone to the Backbone, while also allowing the Backbone to draw power from the phone itself, which is a minimal amount that uses the same amount of power as a simple pair of Apple earphones.
What if your phone is running out of battery? Do not fear, the Backbone One has a built-in charging port in the right half of the controller, meaning you plug your standard phone charger into this port letting you play whilst charging your phone. This port will also allow for earphones or headphones that use a Lightning connector, such as the standard issue Apple wired earphones.
There is also a 3.5mm headphone jack if you want to connect your gaming headphones and get that proper gaming surround sound feel, or if you just want to chat in game, the Backbone One covers all the right angles.
Backbone App
The Backbone’s very own app is something which they didn’t have to do, but it takes the Backbone to the next level. Offering an Xbox or PlayStation style game hub and interface, the Backbone app lets you do a multitude of things that gives you the closest feel to actually playing on console.
You can add friends, download games from the app store straight from the Backbone app, post clips, screenshots and stream links whilst also being able to message fellow Backbone users, giving you a full social hub for when you’re playing.
The app also allows you to jump to Xbox and PlayStation games that allow remote play, making the process of playing games very quick, simple and easy. All you need to do is link your Xbox or PlayStation apps/consoles to the Backbone and enable remote play on your console then you are good to go!
On top of this, Backbone offers Backbone+ which gives you a year free of cloud gaming services such as the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, exclusive deals and monthly in game items, along with game-based rewards.
The app is easily accessible, with the controller having a bright orange Backbone button that automatically takes you to the app where you can get straight to gaming. Additionally, the set-up of the app is extremely easy and quick, so you won’t be creating usernames and entering emails for ages before you are allowed to play, something all gamers will love to hear.
Conclusion
Rating: 5/5
To summarize on the Backbone One, this is the perfect mobile gaming controller for those who want the closest feel to using a console controller for mobile games. It’s simplicity in setup and use is a huge plus, along with its sensational button and trigger responsiveness, in-genius features such as being able to record clips and stream from your phone and it’s premium finish .
The high-quality feeling you get when using this controller combined with not only the option to have either Xbox or PlayStation themed design, but also an app that has a layout that is very similar to console gaming home screens and hubs, there is no doubt that this device is perfect for a console gamer who’s getting into mobile gaming.
With its only flaw being maybe a slight lack of grip on the controller, I highly recommend the Backbone One, at just under £100, as one of the best mobile gaming controllers out now.
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