When it comes to mobile gaming accessories, few devices have generated as much buzz as the Backbone One controller. Designed to transform your iPhone or Android into a fully-fledged handheld console, the Backbone aims to bring console-quality gaming to your pocket. But does it live up to the hype? After spending serious time with the controller, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Backbone One review covering features, specifications, pros, cons, and whether it’s worth the price—especially with the controversial Backbone+ membership.
Backbone Controller: Quick Overview
Compatible with: iPhone & Android (USB-C and Lightning variants available)
Design: Collapsible, slide-to-connect design
Connectivity: Direct via Lightning or USB-C, no Bluetooth needed
Power: Draws power from your device (no charging required)
Headphone Jack: Yes, 3.5mm headphone jack
Charging Pass-through: Yes, supports simultaneous charging
Price: Around £99 / $99 (varies slightly by region and retailer)
Backbone+ Membership: Optional subscription with exclusive perks
Design & Build Quality – A Comfortable Grip That Just Works
One of the standout elements of the Backbone controller is how intuitive it is to use. Straight out of the box, it’s practically plug-and-play—just extend the controller, slide your phone into place, and it’s ready to go. No syncing, no charging, no faff.
The ergonomics are especially impressive. Despite being compact and ultra-portable, the Backbone feels great to hold, comfortably fitting in your hands for longer gaming sessions without causing fatigue. It doesn’t feel like a compromise—it feels like a purpose-built handheld device.
That said, the buttons are on the clickier side. If you’re used to the soft presses of a PS5 DualSense or Xbox controller, you may find the tactile clicks a little loud or distracting, especially during quieter games or late-night sessions.
Thumbsticks & Controls – Compact Yet Functional
Another point to note is the thumbstick size. The sticks on the Backbone controller are slightly smaller than those on the DualSense, but in actual gameplay, this doesn’t present any real issues. They are still responsive, accurate, and feel solid under your thumbs. For mobile gaming, especially on services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or PlayStation Remote Play, they get the job done beautifully.
The D-pad, shoulder buttons, and triggers are all present and correct, offering the kind of control you expect from a premium gamepad. However, the proprietary Backbone button—used to launch the Backbone app—can sometimes be temperamental, occasionally not responding on the first press. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it is a small frustration on an otherwise smooth experience.
Features That Matter – Pass-Through Charging, Headphone Jack, and More
One area where the Backbone controller shines is in its thoughtful hardware features:
Pass-through charging: Charge your phone while you game. Essential for long sessions.
3.5mm headphone jack: A rarity in modern tech, this feature allows for wired audio without latency.
No battery required: It draws minimal power directly from your phone, meaning no extra charging hassle.
This “just works” mentality is clearly embedded in Backbone’s design philosophy.
Software Experience & The Backbone App
Pairing the controller with the Backbone app (available for iOS and Android) opens up a hub of features. You can browse your installed games, take screenshots, record gameplay clips, or even party chat with friends across platforms. It acts as a mobile console dashboard, providing a slick interface for your mobile gaming experience.
However, this is where things get slightly more complicated—Backbone+ membership.
Backbone+ Membership – A Necessary Evil?
When you pay £99/$99 for a controller, you might expect all features to be unlocked from day one. Unfortunately, the Backbone+ subscription model locks many of the advanced software features behind a paywall.
With Backbone+, you get:
Advanced game recording features
Game discovery recommendations
Enhanced app features and layout customisation
Cross-platform party chat
Priority support
The first year is included for free, but after that, the subscription costs around £40/year ($40 USD). While you can use the controller without it, losing access to features like cloud capture and party chat might feel like a step back.
For many, this recurring cost feels frustrating—especially when the hardware is already premium-priced. It’s not that the app is bad, but locking core features behind a membership is a tough pill to swallow.
Performance – Seamless Cloud Gaming and Remote Play
Performance-wise, the Backbone controller excels across services like:
Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud)
NVIDIA GeForce NOW
Steam Link
PS Remote Play
Apple Arcade and native iOS/Android games
Latency is minimal thanks to the direct Lightning or USB-C connection, and controls are consistent and responsive across most titles. Whether you’re diving into Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, Halo Infinite, or Genshin Impact, the experience feels fluid and console-like.
Compatibility – Check Before You Buy
Backbone offers separate versions of the controller depending on your device:
Backbone One (Lightning) – iPhone 6s and later (excluding USB-C models)
Backbone One (USB-C) – Android phones and iPhone 15 series (now with USB-C)
Always double-check that your phone is supported before you buy. The company also sells adapters and updated versions to ensure broad compatibility.
Pros and Cons
Pros
✅ Incredibly easy to set up and use
✅ Excellent build quality and comfort
✅ Direct connection means low latency
✅ Pass-through charging and headphone jack included
✅ Works flawlessly with cloud gaming and remote play
Cons
❌ Clicky buttons might not be for everyone
❌ Backbone button can be unresponsive at times
❌ Smaller thumbsticks than traditional console controllers
❌ Backbone+ membership feels unnecessary after hardware purchase
Final Verdict – Should You Buy the Backbone Controller?
The Backbone controller is arguably the best mobile gamepad on the market right now. It combines premium build quality, plug-and-play simplicity, and near-universal compatibility into one sleek, portable package.
However, the Backbone+ subscription model is the one sticking point. While the software features are genuinely useful, asking for a recurring fee after purchasing a £99 controller feels like a cash grab—especially when basic features like game capture and party chat are paywalled.
If you’re serious about mobile or cloud gaming, the Backbone is worth the investment—just be prepared for some slight annoyances along the way.
