Backbone One
The Backbone One is a fantastic mobile gaming accessory for iPhone users. It's appropriately priced (in comparison to other mobile gaming controllers). It has an optional companion app and as an added feature, the Backbone system makes it possible for users to connect to other cloud gaming services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming. The controller is comfortable to use and very responsive.
- DESIGN
- EASE OF USE
- PRICE
Backbone One controller helps bridge the gap between console and mobile gaming.
When I was a teenager, my parents had a deal with my brother and me regarding our grades. We got paid for good grades on our report cards. A lot of kids have this kind of deal with their parents, but one of the cool things about this deal was that if we got straight A’s, we got a lump sum of $150. I don’t know if they didn’t expect one of us to do that, but I had my heart set on getting a Super Nintendo Entertainment System. So, I got straight A’s and they had to pay up.
Fast-forward several years and you would have found me playing Lego Star Wars in my apartment on my Xbox 360. I specifically bought that gaming system to play Lego Star Wars just like I wanted the SNES to play Super Mario World. I played it for hours on end. That Xbox 360 was my last gaming console for a while. I switched to playing mobile games like Angry Birds on my iPhone for many years.
Not too long ago, I stumbled across Lego Star Wars in the App Store. I remembered how much I loved playing it on the Xbox so I downloaded it and tried to lumber through a few levels. It was not the same gaming experience without a true controller. Fortunately for me, mobile gaming controllers, like the Backbone One for iPhone, are bridging the gap between console gaming and mobile gaming.
DETAILS
The Backbone One is a snap-on controller adapter for mobile phones (currently available for the iPhone; Android compatibility coming soon). The controller connects to the iPhone using a Lightning connector. This connection provides power to the controller (Backbone One does not have a battery) as well as gaming functionality. In addition to the Lightning connector, the Backbone One also features a passthrough Lighting port for charging the iPhone with a standard Lightning cable, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The design of the Backbone One mimics popular console controllers and the companion app connects users to services such as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Apple Arcade and even gives users the ability to stream directly from their Xbox, Playstation, or PC.
Main Features
- Collapsible and compact design
- Low latency connection
- Play games that support controllers
- Capture game clips and screenshots
- 3.5mm headphone jack (for headsets with or without microphones)
- Pass-through charging and audio
Size & Weight
- Height: 3.70 inches (93.9 mm)
- Width (Contracted): 6.94 inches (176.2 mm)
- Width (Extended): 10.14 inches (257.6 mm)
- Depth: 1.28 inches (32.6 mm)
- Weight: 4.87 ounces (138.0 g)
What’s in the Box
- Backbone One controller
- Adapter for iPhone 13 Pro & 13 Pro Max
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety Sheet
BACKBONE APP
The companion app for the Backbone One is called Backbone — Next Level Play. It’s available from Backbone Labs, Inc. It is not required to use the Backbone One, but it does provide an added gaming experience for users. The app allows users to play any game or service that supports game controllers. This app also works with games like Call of Duty: Mobile, Minecraft, and Genshin Impact.
In addition to access to gaming services, the Backbone app gives users the ability to record, edit, and share gaming clips. The Backbone One has a built-in capture button that allows users to screen record or capture a screenshot during gameplay thanks to the app. The app also provides users the option to create party scenarios with friends because of its built-in push notifications when friends who are also using Backbone start playing.
According to the App Store, Backbone — Next Level Play may collect user data including Purchases, Contacts, Identifiers, Diagnostics, Contact Info, User Content, and Usage Data. The app takes 210.9 MB of space and requires iOS 13.0 or later.
USER EXPERIENCE
The Backbone One comes in a clearly marked and branded box. There is an image of the device on the front of the box along with the Made for iPhone icon. The back of the box outlines some of the features of the controller and a second image of the controller is included there, too. The box is wrapped with an outer sleeve. When you slide it off and open the inner box, you’ll find the controller and the Quick Start Guide.
The Quick Start Guide is a simple three-step process to follow. It instructs users to line up the phone with the Backbone’s Lightning connector and then grab the left handle to extend it. The third step is to ‘snap’ your phone into place and start playing.
While it’s not required, I did download the app and get it set up. When the Backbone One is not connected and you start up the app, you’ll see a screen that instructs you to connect it. The app is free, but there is a Backbone Plus service that is subscription-based (around $50/year). The controller comes with a one-year free subscription. If you choose to use it, you will have to connect to Backbone’s system using your Apple ID or a Google account. There is also a feature that allows users to play on any screen if they want to use the Backbone One with cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Google Stadia. While I did not use Stadia my fiancé did use Xbox Cloud Gaming and he really enjoyed his time with it. He said it was like having my Xbox in my hands.
One of my favorite things about this controller is that is literally a plug-and-play option for mobile gaming. Most iOS games have the functionality built in to recognize connected controllers and since the Backbone One is basically a wired connection, there is no perceptible lag during gameplay.
I’ve used different types of mobile gaming controllers including the GameSir X2 Lightning Controller, the RiotPWR ESL Gaming Controller for iOS, and the Razer Kishi for iPhone. So far, the Backbone One is my favorite. The RiotPWR ESL controller – and ones that are designed like it – are not really my style because it mounts the phone above the controller and just doesn’t feel natural.
The ‘snap-in’ styles like the GameSir X2, Backbone One, and the Razer Kishi provide a much more comfortable grip. The GameSir X2 has a slightly different style than the Kishi and the Backbone. It has a flat back to it and makes the iPhone + controller feel a lot like a Nintendo Switch. That’s not a negative, but it’s still not my favorite way to play mobile games.
So, that brings us to the Kishi and the Backbone One. Both of these controller options are designed most like a console controller. The Kishi’s thumbsticks are a little larger and the action buttons are a little more rounded. This makes the Kishi’s grip feel a little more like an Xbox controller. My fiancé, who is an avid COD: Mobile player, prefers the Kishi over the Backbone One because of this.
Looking at the handles on the Kishi, they are a little more squared-off than the Backbone and the Backbone’s handles actually look and feel more like an Xbox or Playstation handle to me. The action buttons feel a bit like the Nintendo Switch on the Backbone. So, for me, the Backbone One is a clear winner when it comes to how it feels when you use it. It really comes down to personal preference on what feels right to a particular person.
As I mentioned above, my mobile game of choice is Lego Star Wars. When it came time to test how the Backbone One actually reacted during gameplay, I started it up and lost track of time really quickly. What I thought was only about 10 minutes was actually an hour. Playing mobile games with the Backbone One was effortless and just felt – natural. I was able to adapt quite easily to the controls and the only thing that felt a little out of place was the placement of the menu buttons.
The controller reacts in real-time and there is absolutely no lag whatsoever. I never had any issues with commands registering and I also had no problems with the iPhone recognizing that the controller was connected. The only thing that would make this controller better is if a travel case was included with the package. That said, there is a really nice case I recently found on Amazon that works great with the Backbone One.
CONCLUSION
If you enjoy mobile gaming, then you need a mobile gaming controller. There are several options/styles to choose from but I think the Backbone One is the best option available at this time. It’s comfortable to use – even for long gaming sessions – and it connects to the iPhone seamlessly.
The optional app and gaming system from Backbone is a great perk and I truly appreciate that it isn’t a required service to use the controller. The controller retails for around $100 (at the time of publishing) and that seems like a fair market value (the Kishi is the same price; GameSir X2 Lighting is around $70).
Given the features and easy use of this device, I think any gamer would enjoy using the Backbone One.
For more information, visit playbackbone.com, Facebook, and Twitter.