Backbone Review
By Sioph LealBeing a huge gamer but one with little time, the Backbone’s newest controller offers a solution to that problem. Designed for the PlayStation 5, it is a travelling gamer’s dream that creates space for gaming on the go by transforming your phone into an on-the-go gaming console.
So, what is the Backbone One? It is an extendable, telescopic cradle for your iPhone (there is an android version as well) that works by simply slotting in your phone. Basically, it’s a mobile controller that you can slide your phone to turn into a portable gaming device. You don't need to pair it or charge it, just plug your phone into the lightning connector and go. Since you don’t need to charge it, the Backbone One draws power from your phone the moment it is plugged in but does not drain the battery excessively. A great design benefit is the charging port and a 3.5mm audio jack on the device so you can charge your phone and stay immersed in the game without playing around with Bluetooth.
The design is sleek and perfectly matches the PS5 and is comfortable to hold. The controller is firm, sturdy with all buttons responsive that match up, although with alterations, to the DualShock controller. The analog sticks are spaced like the Switch’s Joy-Con design than PS5 but given the altered shape, it works as a benefit for the controller and works better for the phone that way. The telescopic design makes it easy to pop your phone in and go, making for a secure and comfortable hold that doesn’t put your phone at risk. The only thing to complain about is there is no room to accommodate for phone cases, no matter how thin. No matter how small, you have to remove the phone case every time which is the most tedious thing but overall, not an issue.
Aesthetically, it is pleasing and matches the PlayStation 5 and is a good companion piece for it. If you want gaming on go, that is reliant on a strong internet connection, the Backbone One offers that with simplicity. It is lightweight so you won’t feel it in your bag and because of the white colour, you should always be able to find it. It feels good to use, like a hybrid between PlayStation and Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controller so feels nice and easy in hands. If you’re in a busy household with no control over the TV or want to enjoy your PlayStation in another room or on the go, the Backbone is a perfect fit.
There isn’t much in the way of cons for this product and the ones that we found doesn’t deter from the price. It is a hefty £99.99 which may seem a lot for an accessory but there are enough in the pros to make it worth it. We’ve already said a little of this but having to remove your case everytime you want to use it can be a minor inconvenience but not enough to detract from using or enjoying the product. The only big issue we found is, understandably, dependent on your internet connection to access PlayStations remote play and can disconnect if the connection isn’t strong enough but that negative is for the internet provider, not Backbone One. The only real annoyance from an otherwise simple and easy set up was that you are forced to sign up to Backbone subscription (it's free for a year) in order to complete the setup. As soon as the setup was complete, we just unsubscribed, and it all worked fine.
Trying the Backbone One on an iPhone 13, we tried story driven games with Jedi: Survivor and online with The Last of Us Factions. There wasn’t too much difference from playing on console to the Backbone and it was still an enjoyable and immersive experience.