Product Manufacturer: Backbone Labs, Inc
Price: $179.99 RRP
Estimated Time With Gear: 4 Weeks

What Is It?: External Controller mount for the iPhone.
Compatible With: iPhone with iOS 13 or later, iPhone 6s to iPhone 12 Pro

The Backbone One iPhone controller is one of the better-designed phone controllers I have had the pleasure of using. The Backbone One just works simply by installing an app when the phone is first connected. It is currently my go-to for my on the go gaming, and it’s small enough to pack in my everyday bag. It has fast replaced my Nintendo Switch for fast play sessions and makes great use of the Apple Arcade library, amongst other games I have previously purchased from the app store.

I purchased the Backbone Controller from the Microsoft store; due to the free shipping offered, the device is available from many online retailers starting at $179.99, which was on the higher price side for a portable controller attachment. Having an Apple Arcade subscription, the game compatibility is still leaving something to be desired. But for the games I have played when it works, it lives up to its name, as the backbone of my enjoyment playing mobile games. The plug and playwork extremely well and have been a boon for enjoying Remote Play with my PlayStation 5 and Steam Link with my gaming PC. I’ve had many late nights spent playing games from the comfort of my bed.

The simplicity of the controller is what grabbed my attention. It’s well designed and slots onto the phone with ease. The minor issue of having to remove the case is easy to ignore when the controller just works. I have used other devices with the iPhone, including but not limited to SteelSeries, PS4 and PS5 controllers (all Bluetooth), and they all work but can experience lag and require attachments or for the phone to be placed at an uncomfortable distance. The input is fast and efficient with the Backbone One, and the device keeps the phone at a comfortable distance from the user. I experienced no lag from the controller itself, which was especially effective when playing Remote Play/Steam Link. Both have their unique type of lag because of the nature of their connection; reducing this means better gameplay and gaming experiences. While playing games on the app store, over 1000 and counting compatible games, the app has a complete list to make finding them easier.

I tried the controller on Call of Duty Mobile, GTA: San Andreas, GTA: Liberty City Stories, Clap Hanz Golf, Transistor, and Spidersaurus, to name just a few. I found using the controller a fantastic way to experience these titles. All very well supported with no adjustments required. Call of Duty requires using touch controls to navigate the menu; otherwise, it automatically detects the controller, and you are on your way into a match in no time. The inputs are much more comfortable than using the touchscreen, and with built-in screenshot and record functions, sharing your experiences has never been so easy.

The Backbone One feels natural to hold, and while I was playing on an iPhone 12 Pro, the screen and stability of the controller felt like holding a PS Vita, except with a much higher resolution screen. The whole unit also feels light while holding it, lighter than both Nintendo Switch and the PS Vita, and it also feels sturdy. I have never felt like I would break the controller even amid a tough battle in games like COD Mobile. The pass-through charging is a godsend on longer play sessions, and it is also mounted in the right spot, under the right-hand side of the controller, making it easy to play with it while it is charging.

I have a couple of criticisms. The soft joy-con style joysticks worry me when placing in and removing from my bag. Having to pull off my phone case to play is sometimes annoying but still understandable due to heat dispersion. I hope there will be a small and hard case one day to assist with this in the future. I currently use a bag from a portable drive which helps but isn’t overly protective of the device.

In summary, the BackBone One controller is a great device in a neat little package. A must buy compared to others on the market, delivering exactly what it promises: a great feel and smart design.