Playstation backbone iPhone compatibility. Backbone One Playstation Edition Review – Is It Worth It

Take mobile gaming to the next level with these phone controllers

Gaming on smartphones has gotten significantly better over the years as the internal components of our devices grow ever stronger. The Nintendo Switch is a testament to just how much power we can get out of a handheld device, and our iOS and Android phones are no slouches when it comes to offering vast libraries of enjoyable games. But, tapping around wildly on the screen without any tangible or tactile controls can make for a frustrating experience that would be easily remedied with a controller.

Lucky for us, iOS and Android smartphones support a whole host of excellent gaming controllers. Some controllers are supported over the nearly universal Bluetooth connection, while others rely on USB-C or Lightning connections while delivering extra fast response times. With these gaming controllers, you can have a much richer gaming experience while also seeing more of the games you’re playing, since you won’t be covering up half of the screen with your fingers. So, if you’re ready to get your game on, here are our picks.

Backbone One

Best Phone Controller

Phone support: Android, iOS | Connectivity: USB-C, Lightning | Phone Mount: Yes | Weight: 0.30 pounds

The Backbone One mobile gaming controller lets you turn your phone into a handy portable gaming console. This controller serves as an expandable, flexible dock for your device by locking controls on each side while freeing up the screen to see clearly for a more enjoyable gaming experience and a comfortable hold. Most iPhones fit perfectly, and now an Andriod model is available, meaning you get extensive support no matter the platform. However, Backbone Labs released a special adapter for the iPhone 13/14 Pro Max that you can 3D print at home or get as a free extra.

The Backbone One holds onto your phone and connects to it over the Lightning port or USB-C to deliver lower latency than you’ll get from Bluetooth connections. With the Backbone One connected, you’ll get your main gaming controls, including two slightly stiff analog sticks, a solid D-pad along with a plethora of responsive, somewhat mushy buttons. The controller even lets you charge while you’re playing, and you can use a wired headset thanks to the 3.5mm jack on the left side of the controller.

SteelSeries Stratus

Best Budget Phone Controller

The SteelSeries Stratus is an upgraded version of the Stratus Duo, and just like its predecessor, it’s a straight shooter for budget-friendly Android gaming. You can snag this for under 60, but it offers everything you’d expect from a controller made with mobile gaming in mind. It offers a familiar layout blending the stylings of Xbox controllers and Sony’s DualShock by opting for symmetrical thumbsticks. Hall effect magnetic sensors offer a great feel on the triggers to ensure precision and consistency. You’ll have an edge in shooters with this weapon. There’s even an included slim phone mount, making it simple to get gaming anywhere.

It’s important to note that the only way to connect the SteelSeries Stratus wirelessly to devices is through Bluetooth LE. You do lose the 2.4GHz wireless dongle that came with the original. But, it’s designed for Android and Chromebook devices, so you should experience fuss-free support with them. This also enables the gamepad to offer a wild 90-hour battery life, so it’s the perfect travel companion, as it will last the entire duration of your journey and beyond. And if you forget to charge it up before you go, a mere 15 mins will give it 12 hours of juice. Of course, a wired USB option is available to use the Stratus with your gaming PC.

Razer Kishi V2

Best iPhone Controller

Phone support: iOS | Connectivity: Lightning | Phone Mount: Yes | Weight: 0.27 pounds

The iPhone version of the Razer Kishi V2 controller effectively turns your device into a Nintendo Switch-like handheld, as it clamps controls onto each side of your phone’s display using an expandable bridge with adjustable rubber inserts similar to the Backbone One. That means it can support pretty much any iPhone, including the iPhone 14 Pro Max, as long as it’s under 11.5mm thick/170mm long, uses a lightning port, and runs on iOS 15.4 or later. And don’t worry Andriod users, there is an almost identical version of the Razer Kishi V2 for you.

This controller provides all the mashable buttons and responsive controls you need with dual, clickable analog sticks alongside AXBY buttons, triggers, shoulder buttons, a D-pad, and a few navigation buttons. Two additional programmable shoulder buttons come with this upgrade, while another new button takes you to Razer’s Nexus app for remapping and other features. However, the app is still in its infancy and could use some work. And if you need to charge your phone while playing, the Razer Kishi V2 has a passthrough for power.

Gamevice Flex

Best Android Phone Controller

Phone support: Android | Connectivity: USB-C | Phone Mount: Yes | Weight: 0.4 lbs

If you’re committed to playing games on your Android phone, go for the Gamevice Flex. Given the name, this controller is flexible with its rubber-based bridge that slides open, letting you slot your phone in between two comfortable to hold controls for a setup that’s very much akin to the Nintendo Switch. And it’s ready to house some of the biggest Android phones out there—even with the case attached—thanks to a kit that includes 16 installable adapters. There’s also an iPhone version available if you prefer iOS.

Once the Gamevice Flex connects using USB-C, you’ll enjoy playing with the impressive D-pad and rigid thumbsticks that offer super-precise movements perfect for shooters. The rest of the responsive buttons, hall effect triggers and bumpers are perfectly placed to prevent fatigue and improve ergonomics. Beyond the controls, there’s even USB-C pass-through charging to ensure your phone never dies in the heat of battle, and a 3.5mm audio jack makes it easy to listen to your game or music while playing.

Sony DualSense

For Team Sony

Phone support: Android, iPhone | Battery Life: 10-13 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C | Phone Mount: No | Weight: 0.62lbs

The Sony DualSense steps up the controller game in a big way. It features a new design that does more than just look pretty. The DualSense delivers an ergonomic shape with textured grips (styled after the Playstation buttons if you look closely enough).

Inside the DualSense is the heart of the experience: its haptics. The DualSense derives its name from Sony’s impressive haptic feedback, which can give an extra layer of immersion in games. Sony has also introduced adaptive triggers that can adjust their resistance to go even further in connecting you to the in-game action. It may be a while before games on mobile actually tap into those features of the controller, though.

BitDo Ultimate

Best Multiplatform Phone Controller

Customize button mapping, swap stick behavior, and adjust vibration levels using robust software on this controller with two extra rear paddles and a charging dock.

Phone support: Android, iOS | Battery Life: 22 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz dongle, USB-C | Phone Mount: No | Weight: 0.5lbs

The 8BitDo Ultimate matches the stylings of an Xbox controller. You’ll find hall effect sensors in the offset sticks, a large D-pad, tactile triggers, and two handy back paddles that add to the overall functionality of the gamepad. Using the 8BitDo’s app, you can customize the button mapping, swap stick or trigger behavior, and adjust vibration levels. A custom profile switch button also allows you to store three profiles on the pad for on-the-fly swapping.

This wireless controller offers a low latency 2.4GHz connection for a low latency connection, while Bluetooth makes it a great, versatile mobile gaming controller. You can also go for a wired connection via the included USB-C. All that capability is paired with a 22-hour battery life, and the 8BitDo Ultimate even comes with a charging dock.

Razer Raiju Mobile

The Everything Package

As another of the more established names on this list, it’s no surprise to see Razer turn in one of the more “elite” mobile controllers on our list. It can connect over Bluetooth or wired via one of the USB-C cables that Razer bundles in the box.

The controller also has a built-in dock for your phone, which slides upwards and should have no problem handling most Android handsets. Our favorite bit is the companion app, which lets you map buttons and adjust the sensitivity of the analog sticks. The downsides: it’s an expensive controller, one we’d only recommend for the most ardent of mobile gamers. Android only.

Xbox Core Controller

Best Ergonomic Phone Controller

Phone support: Android, iPhone | Battery Life: 30-40 hours (2 x AA batteries) | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C | Phone Mount: No | Weight: 0.63lbs

Microsoft’s Xbox Core Controller doesn’t change much from the previous Xbox One controller. It has a slightly different look to it, but otherwise features all the same buttons and controls, though the D-Pad has been slightly redesigned in a style more like the Elite Controller’s concave pad. That’s not to say there are no improvements.

Microsoft has changed how the controller will feel in your hands. The shape is unchanged, but the controller features textured grip in more places, including the triggers, to give you a better hold while you’re playing. There is one key upgrade that makes this a strong mobile option, and that’s the upgrade to Bluetooth LE for a lower-power connection with smartphones and tablets.

PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus

Best Xbox Game Pass Controller

Phone support: Android | Battery Life: 3,000mAh | Connectivity: Bluetooth, micro USB | Phone Mount: Yes | Weight: 1.16lbs

If you’re trying to take full advantage of Xbox Game Pass, then you can’t just play on console or PC. One of the big perks is the option to take your Xbox games on the go with you and stream to your phone. While Microsoft’s own controller is a handy mobile controller on account of its Bluetooth connectivity, the PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus takes things up a notch for an even better mobile game streaming experience.

The PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus has the layout of an Xbox controller, so all the buttons and controls will be right where you’re used to. The face buttons are also mapped properly, so you won’t struggle to learn the controls of a new game. And, the PowerA controller can support both wired and Bluetooth wireless use. So far, it might not sound like a much different experience from an Xbox controller, but here’s where it specializes. The controller has a mounting point for an included phone clip that’ll hold your smartphone for easy viewing and portability. The built-in 3,000mAh battery isn’t just for the controller either. You can use the controller to give your smartphone extra juice to extend your play period. The controller also features programmable shortcut buttons on the underside akin to those on the Xbox Elite controllers. That’s a ton of capability for on-the-go play.

What You Need to Know About Mobile gaming controllers

Compatibility: First things first, make sure the controller works with your mobile device. A lot of mobile controllers are Android-only, but there are plenty of iPhone options too. And pay special attention to the version compatibility, especially if you’re running an old version of Android or iOS, as some controllers will need newer versions to work.

The games: Some games are better suited to specific control types, so you need to think about the types of games you tend towards. of a touchscreen puzzle player? A mobile controller might sooner find itself in a draw collecting dust. But if you play a lot of first-person shooters or find yourself longing for more precision in your platformers, then chances are your gaming experience will improve vastly with something more tactile.

Mounting: If you’re playing with a mobile controller, then you’ll need something to hold up your phone or tablet. Some controllers come with a mount, some don’t. You could also get a stand for the phone, which is great if you have a surface to play it on, but less helpful when you’re trying to cram in a quick game of Fortnite on the bus. A mount, either built-in or attachable, is recommended.

Kevin Lee is IGN’s SEO Updates Editor. Follow him on @baggingspam.

Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.

Backbone One Playstation Edition Review – Is It Worth It?

Sony isn’t known for mobile gaming. The Playstation Portable and Vita, while both fun gaming consoles, never found the same success as Nintendo’s DS or 3DS. So when Sony announced the Backbone One Playstation Edition, a controller that you could snap your iPhone into to play mobile games, it was a bit of a surprise.

But the Backbone One Playstation Edition is a great controller. It’s comfortable to hold, has all the buttons you need, and works with a wide variety of games. In addition, the controller easily snaps onto your iPhone, making it easy to play Playstation games from your iPhone. While there isn’t much difference between this version and the Xbox One version, it is a must-have for hardcore Playstation fans. The Backbone One Playstation Edition is the best way to play Playstation games on your iPhone.

Keep reading to learn more about the Backbone One Playstation Edition and how it can help improve your gaming experience.

Backbone One Playstation – Purchasing Guide

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Using a Backbone Controller

Backbone controllers are designed with the mobile gamer in mind. They are designed to hold your phone and provide a more ergonomic and comfortable gaming experience. The Backbone One Playstation Edition is no different. Backbone has teamed up with Sony to seemingly dive back into the mobile gaming world with this new controller.

Sony hasn’t had a mobile gaming device since the Playstation Vita, and with the recent success of the Nintendo Switch, it’s easy to see why Sony would want to get back into mobile gaming. The Backbone One Playstation Edition is a great way to take your Playstation gaming on the go.

What is the Playstation Edition Backbone?

The Playstation edition Backbone controller is the newest addition to their lineup of controllers. The Backbone One Playstation Edition is similar to the original Backbone One in that it attaches to your iPhone and gives you access to physical buttons and analog sticks. The Playstation Edition, however, comes with the Playstation buttons instead of the Xbox ones. The controller still works with Xbox One and PC games. It is the aesthetics that are mainly the difference.

How Does It Work?

The controller easily snaps onto your iPhone, allowing you to play your favorite Playstation games when a TV is not available. The controller works by using the Backbone app, which is available on the App Store. The app allows you to see a list of the games available to play while syncing the control with these games seamlessly.

Original vs Playstation Edition

The main difference between these two models is design. This new version is a cool white color and features the Playstation button symbols instead of the ABXY Xbox button layout. There are no major changes to the hardware. However, many users will notice updates to the software. The app has added chat room and messaging compatibility, higher quality streaming, and screen sharing.

Design Features

The controller features a great-looking white finish while being cordless, chargeless, and easy to carry. In addition, the controller has console-quality controls making it fun for gaming on the go with friends. Designed in partnership with Sony, the Backbone features tactile buttons, responsive triggers, and clickable thumbsticks. The controller’s ergonomic design and rounded edges allow for a comfortable gaming experience.

Backbone is compatible with the newest iPhones (iOS 16 and up), fitting smartphones of all sizes. In addition, an adapter is included for iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, which should make using them easier. This product connects to your iPhone’s Lightning port, which allows for minimal latency when playing games. This brings the experience closer to that of a console game. Additionally, this product is low-power, taking less energy than a pair of Lightning-connected headphones.

The Backbone Lightning port not only lets you charge your device while playing games but also has a 3.5mm headset jack so you can enjoy audio another way.

Current Price

Just like its predecessor, the Backbone One Playstation Edition is priced at 99.99. This price is well worth it for the quality of the product. Of course, the price may seem high for a mobile game controller; however, it is important to mention Backbone made this controller in conjunction with Sony.

Benefits of the Playstation Backbone One

The Backbone gives games the opportunity to have a more traditional console feel without sacrificing portability. There are a few improvements that could be made, like the lack of grip and the fact that Sony doesn’t have a dedicated Cloud game streaming platform up yet. However, there are many features that make it a must-have accessory. Some of these features include:

The Backbone app is more than a launcher; it’s an all-in-one hub for games, news, and content. It not only aggregates all your games and platforms into one place but also makes recommendations about what to play next. In addition, the app has been improved to include 1,080p and 60fps recording as well as streaming and screen sharing while recording since the 2020 model was released.

The controller now has the ability to use a Lightning-to-USB cable connection in order to play on an iPad, PC, or Mac. In addition, with seamless integration to game discovery on iOS, you can directly connect to the App Store to buy and download games. You can also filter by gaming platform for more intelligent game recommendations. You may see who’s online, create or join parties to voice chat while you play together, and even go live on Twitch immediately and share the link with your pals. The process has been streamlined to less than 10 seconds.

The Backbone is compatible with other devices, such as the iPad, Mac, or PC. You can use it to play Cloud gaming services like Playstation Remote Play, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Google Stadia. In addition, the Backbone has been fine-tuned for performance on each device so that there is less latency than traditional Bluetooth controllers – making it ideal for an immersive gaming experience.

The app not only maps the controller to the Playstation nomenclature within games, but it also ensures that it’s correctly linked with the console. It’s a fantastic experience overall. However, because of the use of identical fundamental hardware, rather than being aligned together like on an Xbox controller, thumbsticks are in a high-low arrangement instead of one high-one low design. It isn’t much of an issue unless your Playstation muscle memory has you reaching for the wrong location.

Final Thoughts

The Backbone One Playstation Edition is a great controller for iPhone users. While it has its flaws, such as the high-low arrangement of the thumbsticks and the lack of grip, the positives outweigh the negatives. It has low power consumption, making it a great choice to use while gaming and charging your device at the same time. The controller is easy to use and has a great app that helps you find new games to play. Additionally, the controller is compatible with other devices, such as the iPad, Mac, or PC, making it a great option for Cloud gaming services. Finally, choosing a Backbone One Playstation Edition over a traditional Bluetooth controller will give you a more immersive gaming experience with your mobile device.

Backbone One – The Best Controller for Smartphones?

The Backbone One is an ideal controller for gamers looking to upgrade their mobile experience. The Backbone App is also a great bonus, allowing you to literally turn your phone into a mobile gaming device.

What’s great about the Backbone One controller

• Overall quality and sturdiness
• Feels great even after long sessions
• Easy to use
• No battery
• No input lag (no Bluetooth pairing)
• The Backbone App (free for 12 months)
• Passthrough charging (Lightning or USB-C, depending on the model)
• 3.5 mm headphone jack port

What’s not so great about the Backbone One controller

• A steep price for a controller (99)
• The 40/year subscription for the Backbone App subscription after the 12-month free trial
• Not compatible with bulky phone covers

What is the Backbone One?

The Backbone One is a controller for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. It is designed to transform your smartphone into a mobile console.

How to use the Backbone controller?

The Backbone One is incredibly easy to use.

All you need to do is extend the controller, place and plug your smartphone into the dedicated USB-C (for Android Phones) or Lightning port (for iOS phones). Your device will automatically recognize the controller.

No room for bulky protection cases

Note that if, like me, you use a bulky case to protect your smartphone, you won’t be able to plug the device.Once plugged in, you can press the Backbone button on the controller to open the Backbone App and start your mobile console experience.

Transform any smartphone into a handheld gaming device with the Backbone app.

Overall, the Backbone App is an excellent mobile application. It is the backbone of the entire experience (pun intended).

The Backbone App is an interface that will take your smartphone handheld gaming experience to the next level. It simply feels like you’re holding a console, not a phone.

Your games and gaming apps will be featured in the app, creating the illusion of a native experience.

The Backbone App turned my iPhone into a handheld console.

The Remote Play App (Playstation), Xbox Companion App, and Steam Link work seamlessly with the BackBone One.

As a first-time user, you’ll get a 12-month free trial to use the Backbone App. Past this period, you’ll have to pay 40 a year to keep enjoying it.

Fortunately, you don’t need the Backbone App to use the Backbone controller. You can also directly launch your games without using the App; the controller will work the same way.

A comfy, qualitative, and sturdy controller.

The Backbone One is light and sturdy at the same time.

Though made of plastic, the controller doesn’t feel cheap at all. Buttons and triggers are responsive, and the d-pad and joysticks are well-designed. Note that there aren’t any vibrations or adaptive triggers.

And just like that, I’m playing Halo 2 on the go.

I have rather long fingers, and prolonged sessions on a handheld device usually cause some discomfort. But not this time around. To date, I’ve completed Halo Reach and Halo CE playing exclusively from the Backbone and felt no discomfort.

I also appreciated the 3.5mm headphone jack and passthrough charger ports to play long sessions without worrying about falling short on the battery.

The controller also includes two extra buttons to capture gameplay from your smartphone and open the Backbone App.

Is there an input lag with the Backbone?

The short answer is no.

Because it’s not Bluetooth-based, the Backbone is as responsive as a controller can be. Of course, you may notice a lag when playing remotely, but it won’t come from the controller itself but from the nature of remote play itself.

Backbone One vs. Razer Kishi v2: What are the differences?

The Backbone One and Razer Kishi v2 offer very similar experiences. However, the Backbone controller covers more ground.

• The Backbone comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Razer Kishi v2 doesn’t.
• The Backbone app is only compatible with the Backbone.

The price of the Backbone One controller

The Backbone is currently priced at 99.99. The Backbone App is available for free, for 12 months, after which you’ll need to pay 40 a year to keep using it.

Is the Backbone One compatible with all smartphones?

The Backbone is compatible with iOS and Android devices and is designed to be compatible with most games.

Now, you must buy the version compatible with your device. Backbone sells a specific model for iPhones (Lightning port) and another for Android devices (USB-C). It’s unclear if the current USB-C version will be compatible with the next generation of iPhones, coming with USB-C.

Is the Backbone One worth the price?

The Backbone One is the perfect controller for anyone who wants to take their gaming experience to the next level. If you’re ready to put in the money, you won’t be disappointed.

The Backbone App is also a great way to turn your phone into a mobile gaming device, although I don’t think it’s worth paying 40 a year past the 12-month free trial.

Backbone One and Game Pass streaming are a match made in heaven

While attaching the Playstation-branded Backbone One to my phone, I immediately felt some serious nostalgia. It took me back to the good old days of gaming on the troubled and misunderstood Playstation Vita — Sony’s last swing at a dedicated handheld device. Thankfully, Sony hasn’t completely deserted mobile gaming fans, and has teamed up with Backbone to create the latest Backbone accessory controller for iPhone.

First things first, this is a sexy device. While it largely retains the same design and build of the standard Backbone, the new color and face buttons add a great amount of flair to the accessory. Needless to say, Playstation fans will be especially happy. There’s even a hidden Playstation logo on the back that only appears after you’ve attached the device to your iPhone.

Setting up the Backbone is so easy, it barely needs any explanation. You simply extend, slide your iPhone in, and collapse into place. It’s so much easier than rigging a controller up and Bluetooth connecting before each play session. I’m all about convenience and the Backbone is convenience in its purest form.

How’s it feel?

The build is extremely sturdy and comfortable to use. Additionally, I never noticed any cramps or oddities while using the Backbone after an extended time.

After sliding my phone into the Backbone, it looks and feels so natural; sometimes I forget I’m using my phone and not a dedicated gaming device. That’s no exaggeration either — I’ve accidentally started looking for my phone multiple times while it was cradled in my hands attached to my Backbone.

The device comes equipped with a capture button that instantly saves images and footage to your iPhone photo album. There’s also a charging port, so you can charge your phone while gaming, and a headphone jack if you want a more intimate gaming experience.

Gaming on the Backbone

This Backbone One is Playstation-branded, so I thought I’d see how PS5 Remote Play was working nowadays, as it’s the only way to play PS games on iOS right now. Unfortunately, it’s not very good. I tested the Backbone using Remote Play with my wired PS5 and found it to be rather choppy and inconsistent (my internet typically ranges from good to excellent). It’s doable, and a solid secondary option for slow-pace/turn-based titles, but it isn’t ideal right now. But hey, at least the controller icons match when remote-playing!

I recommend using the Backbone for playing games natively on iPhone via the App Store and Apple Arcade. Or, of course, the more reliable streaming option, Xbox Game Pass. (I was not able to test Google Stadia.) And I want to make it very clear: this Playstation One Backbone works with all major game streaming services, Apple Arcade, and games from the App Store that offer controller support.

The bulk of my time with the Backbone has been spent streaming Xcloud games to my phone. Backbone and Game Pass are like a match made in heaven. I honestly never viewed my phone as a viable gaming option until these two exquisite commodities came into my life. It’s essentially the Xbox handheld many gamers have been clamoring for.

From my time with the Backbone, it’s mostly all positive thoughts.

While it’s a bit sad and ironic Playstation doesn’t have more to offer on the mobile gaming front for this Playstation-branded Backbone, the device still stands on its own thanks to its ease of use, comfortability, and compatibility options.

The Backbone One — Playstation Edition costs 99.99 and is available for iPhone. Android users can get a non-Playstation-branded model of the Backbone One in November.

[This assessment is based on hardware provided by the manufacturer.]