BACKBONE One Mobile Gaming Controller for Android and iPhone 15/16 Series (USB-C) - PlayStation Edition - 2nd Gen - Turn Your Phone into a Gaming Console - Play PlayStation, Xbox, Fortnite & More

Overall this is a high quality product and works well.Pros:-Responsive controls-Familiar x-box style layoutCons:-Not compatible with protective phone cases. I have a protective "armor" phone case by Spigen and it will NOT connect to the USB jack while the phone is in the case. The USB connector just Isn't long enough when cased. I bought an angled USB-C extension cable from Amazon which "works" fine, but then you have to have your phone barely in the top of the dock. It functionally "works" just fine, just not as secure as it should work.-Small handles. If you're used to playing with a standard x-box/PC/Playstation controller, the handles are pretty small for an adult and holding the controller is a little awkward. I suppose you could 3D print "palm swells" to work, but I believe you shouldn't have to.Overall impression:-The controller does the job. The build quality seems fine, it works well and allows easier gaming experience than relying on the standard phone touch screen controls. Zenless Zone Zero is playable just fine (the reason I bought the controller), but the small grips diminish the pleasure of use for extended gaming sessions. Is it worth the cost? If you can get it on sale, sure. Does it work? Yes.

The following critiques will be faily split between PS Remote Play testing results and the Backbone peripheral itself, which is an A+ highly recommended device for Playstation/Xbox players, and maybe the small (?) population of Steam users who aren't quite on board spending >$500 on the impeccable Steamdeck yet would like an occasional time away from the keyboard and mouse. It may not be a return to the days of the underrated Playstation Vita, but it's close enough.Pros- Controller is an almost 1:1 of the Switch joycons in terms of scale and layout (not ideal for big boy hands like mine) which took alot of adjusting to despite the brand's console-specific face buttons(ABCs for Xbox, XYOs for Playstation) and matching triggers to emulate the respected controller aesthetics. Analog sticks match the feel of the standard first party joycon so least it doesn't have a cheap click to it but time can only tell.- The Backbone app is very user-friendly and comfortable. More or less an imitation of the Gamepass and PS Network UIs put together but you can easily switch between Playstation, Gamepass, and Steam apps via the dedicated red home button on the right handed grip. Navigating is simple and the app offers an in-house directory for platform game streaming, F2P base games, and even social media features if you're into that sort of thing. Pretty cool stuff and although I'm only going to go straight to PS5 play or Steam Link, I appreciate the effort they put into making Backbone a serious companion to all platforms.- Concerning actual gameplay, latency is rock solid for most games sans a few exceptions, maybe a few milliseconds off. On remote play, I ran at 720p to maintain steady frame rate without harsh drops. It's been reported here and there that the Backbone SORT OF has a hand in making the remote experience as smooth as relatively possible compared to a non-Backbone method. Might be a theory but point is, had practically no major issues. Tested games such as GRID Legends, Returnal, Doom, NHL 22, Resident Evil 4 in addition to some older 3D games and turn-based RPGs which this is perfect for.- Compatibility with PS+, Gamepass, Steam Link, Google Play, annnnnd yes, the wide wide world of emulators. A tremendous positive it shares with the Steamdeck. Enough said.Minor Cons- Going back to the controller design, the thumbsticks could be a little larger because shooters will lead to some sore appendages for bigger hands like mine after maybe half an hour of constant playing. So this is purely subjective; I tried applying removable thumb attachments but they didn't fully fit and they fell off easily.- Touchpad optimization is non-existent for the controller for obvious reasons however a little back button could remedy this. Otherwise, given the wide length of the attachment plus phone it is a real chore holding the Backbone in one hand so you can press the middle of your smartphone's touchscreen with the other. Not a design or manufacturer flaw and I don't know if there's a solution for it either considering the way Sony implemented that in their own dedicated app (which Backbone mirrors via its own app). It is the only noticeable tangible problem though.- Lastly, from an exclusive streaming/remote play experience, the Backbone's peak of its potential completely hinges on your router distance and ISP plan. The farther away you are from the gateway, the more hangups you'll get not to mention stuttering pixelation quality. I read that using a smartphone's data and wi-fi still does plenty of heavy lifting to run decently unlike the stupid >$400 Playstation Portal which operates way worse on very specific hardware only on wi-fi.This is in no way influenced by the hardware whatsoever BUT be cautioned if you are purchasing the controller for entirely streaming.So to conclude, for what is an official Sony and Microsoft endorsed $60 (Black Friday sale) peripheral that is compatible with any USB-C smartphone and functions with the premier gaming services (plus Google Play emulators)...Backbone is not a bad investment at all to say the very least.Highly recommended, just make sure it's suitable to your gaming needs.

I'm new to mobile gaming. Overall I like this controller. I would consider my hands to be large(ish) and it fits well. It's obviously small compared to a real controller, so it feels weird at first. I have two FYI to share.FYI #1:The first thing I noticed is regardless of black or white color the GEN 2 with USB-C are configured for Playstation. I give Amazon credit because the fine print states this, but the white controller shows the PS button layout and the black controller shows the X-Box layout. The X-box configuration will probably work if you are using their play pass, but games through the Android play store might be designed for the Playstation layout. You can't adjust this unless you have the iPhone version, which isn't USB-C for the GEN 2. The current game I'm playing through the Play Store is set up for X-box controlls. It gets confusing, but I'm familiar with controllers on both platforms so I can figure it out.FYI #2This is basically regarding the capacity of this controller. I have a Galaxy S 23 Ulra. Without a case there is a little room to fit the controller. With a slim case I am pushing the limits; it takes a full extention of the controller to make it fit. Anything larger won't work for the GEN 2. You'll probably need the Pro.Overall, this is a sturdy little device and I like it. I recommend doing an online search to see what other people are saying based on the platform you intend to use it with. The black USB-C definitely isn't mapped for games that aren't designed specifically for X-box.

1) it says it will work with phone cases but I couldn’t get it to work with my iPhone 14 Pro case. It wouldn’t click in place in the port. But once out of the case, it for great.2) I found the setup a little confusing. I downloaded the backbone app and I could not get to e controllers to work in Roblox. I looked online and someone posted to open the Roblox app and then snap the phone in and that did work.3) controller is easy to use but you still have to tap the phone screen for some functions.4) I like having the ability to plug in and charge the phone at the same time I am using the backbone.I enjoy using it, it really makes playing Roblox with my nephew so much easier.