Mobile phones have improved and grown in power and resolution, so they have become more of a platform for premiere gaming experiences. To accommodate this, the industry has seen the release of compatible controllers that allow players to have tactile analog sticks and buttons to improve the experience. One of the newest announced mobile controllers is the official PlayStation Edition of the Backbone One.
Key Info
Supported OS: iOS 15 and later
Key Features: Headphone jack, Custom Backbone App, PlayStation buttons and coloring, Passthrough charging, PS Remote Play Compatibility
Price: $99.99
PlayStation Backbone Overview
The PlayStation Backbone is a new version of the Backbone One that is unavailable for iOS devices. While it shares the same features as a standard Backbone One, it is specially designed to copy the elements of PlayStation’s DualSense controllers. It features the same white coloring as the standard DualSense and the PlayStation’s iconic face buttons.
The PlayStation Backbone plugs directly into iPhones with a lightning cable connection to help eliminate latency in the connection. It also is lightweight for extended play sessions and is big enough to sit comfortably in your hands. The Backbone also comes with its app that organizes all of the user’s compatible games. And even supports full party chat with other mobile players or the Discord app.
To use the PlayStation Backbone, you’ll need an Apple phone that is running on at least iOS 15. It is compatible with the following phones:
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 6s and Plus
- iPhone 7 and Plus
- iPhone 8 and Plus
- iPhone X and XR
- iPhone XS and Max
- iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 12, mini, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 13 and mini
- iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max with an included adapter
PlayStation Backbone Features
One of the most prominent features of the PlayStation Backbone is its compatibility with PS Remote Play. This allows you to stream games straight from your PS5 to your phone to keep the game going. You can do so whether you are playing in bed or on the go. The controller’s design based on the DualSense makes it perfect for this use, as it will accurately mimic the experience of playing on the console without haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Of course, you can also use it to play any other compatible game on your phone. This includes mobile titles or games from services like (the soon to be extinct) Stadia, Amazon Luna, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
To help players capture the console experience on the go, the PS Backbone also features a 3.5mm headphone jack. This means you can take any gaming headset you use for another platform and use it without having to worry about Bluetooth draining your battery. However, if you prefer Bluetooth for your headphones or some other accessory, you can still use it as normal while connected to the Backbone.
Since it also plugs directly into your phone, you don’t have to worry about charging it. The controller is designed to use as little battery power as possible,so you can enjoy prolonged gaming sessions.
If your phone’s battery does happen to die, the Backbone features passthrough charging through a lightning cable port on the bottom of its right handle. This allows you to charge your iPhone without having to stop playing. The port also connects the Backbone to devices that don’t fit into its 10.14-inch width. With a double-sided lightning cable, you can connect the controller to your iPad or MacBook.
The PS Backbone also comes with a simple capturing button that allows you to capture your best gaming moments. You can hold it while playing to take an instant screenshot or pressed to start recording your gameplay live. While it is recording, you can even hold the button to leave a bookmark in your recording to help you find the very best parts later on. This feature is only available while using PS Remote Play, but it does save your recordings straight to your PlayStation profile. The controller also features a button to launch the dedicated Backbone app at any time and one that can be double-tapped to mute your mic during any calls Discord groups.
To help you get started enjoying your PlayStation Backbone, buying one also comes with free subscriptions to three different services. The first is a three-month subscription to Discord Nitro, allowing you to chat better with friends while you play with them. The Backbone also comes with a free month of Google Stadia Pro. This gives owners access to a library of streaming games that can instantly be played straight from their phone without any downloads. Finally, the controller also comes with a free month of Apple Arcade. This subscription includes hundreds of mobile titles without any ads.
FAQs
Question: How much does the PlayStation Backbone cost?
Answer: It currently costs $99.99, the same as a standard Backbone one.
Question: Does the PlayStation Backbone work with PS Remote Play?
Answer: Yes, the PlayStation Backbone is fully compatible with PS Remote Play, allowing you to play your console games away from your TV.
Question: Do you need a PlayStation for the PlayStation Backbone?
Answer: No, the PlayStation Backbone is compatible with a wide range of mobile titles and be used for any app that supports controllers, not just PS Remote Play.
Conclusion
The PlayStation Backbone looks like a great twist on the standard Backbone One. It gives PlayStation fans a way to get a similar experience on their phones and improve the experience of many mobile titles. The PlayStation Backbone’s compatibility with PS Remote Play also makes it one of the best ways to continue playing your PlayStation 5 games while you’re away from your TV. Plus, with the functionality on mobile, maybe we will get to use this for Pokemon games via a GBA emulator. Talk about cracking a nut with a sledgehammer. Regardless of what you want to use this hardware for, you can’t deny, the future looks exciting!
