Backbone — Next-Level Play 12+

Phenomenal controller, awesome app

After 15 minutes in CoD: Mobile or Genshin Impact with the Backbone controller it’s honestly easy to forget you’re gaming on your phone and not a dedicated, premium handheld console. I like the slim profile of the device - it looks and feels so well integrated to the phone which I much preferred to the more ostentatious or bulky alternatives. It’s obviously a night and day improvement over touch controls, but the analogue sticks and buttons feel legitimately great in their own right. It did initially feel like a bit of an indulgent purchase and I wasn’t sure how much I’d use it, but now I don’t travel anywhere without it! Great for my bus commutes into work.

The app is very smart and further serves to reinforce the illusion you’re using a dedicated console. Party chat works really well - almost surprisingly so - no issues with any of the games my mates and I have tried so far. It’s slick and intuitively designed, and not experienced any bugs so far.

The perfect software accompaniment

This application augments the Backbone controller’s hardware capabilities, by providing users with an extensible and customisable software-driven experience.

Its design has a similar form-factor to the PlayStation 3’s Xross Media Bar (XMB), which in my opinion is still one of the most efficient and effective UX’s on Console.

In terms of functionality it allows users to build and maintain their own library, develop relationships with other device owners via game/console themed chat channels, and also learn about controllers and their integration with streaming services such as: XBox Live, Steam Link, PlayStation Remote Play and Nvidia’s Ge-Force Now.

Although I’ve not used the streaming services extensively, other than Steam Link and Ge-Force for a short 2 week sprint; I’ve mainly remained focused on the iOS library. I have to say the backbone application is absolute joy to use.

I really enjoy the User Interface that has been created, and coming from this area of design myself, I find this software incredibly difficult to criticise any of the decision choices.

Honestly in my opinion this a “must-have” for anyone on iOS who uses any of the Backbone controllers (One or PlayStation) both of which are useful as standalone hardware too.

Awful software, decent controller

Constant feedback demands, that launch into email-no way to deactivate this and impairs any interaction with the app. Recording features and social functions are part of subscription-also not used, games themselves have better communication features. Using backbone with other devices should be a feature without subscription but is blocked by paywall: not ethical for a controller that costs almost double that of an Xbox or PS4 controller that works with more devices. The controller itself has clicky buttons, which is a personal preference-as are the sticks that are akin to a Switch’s-again, this is decisive as certain games require an accuracy which is unattainable with a short travel distance (although mine developed a creaking sound after 2 weeks in the right stick).
Otherwise solid build quality (especially the extending section) and a 3.5mm jack set this apart from others in the market, but there is room for improvement-I hope that when I need to change up there will be a Backbone2 (and maybe extend to an iPad mini?) with these little things resolved.

Developer Response ,

Hey there! We appreciate your feedback and understand your concerns. The Backbone and free trial of Backbone+ are both included with your purchase. Backbone+ gives players access to the rich software experience we have been crafting since release. My team and I put a lot of love into it, so we think you might like it (you can always cancel)! Backbone+ offers exclusive perks, including free trials like Discord Nitro, Twitch streaming capabilities, and the option to play on other devices like iPad, Mac, or PC. We hope you decide to give Backbone a try!