I absolutely love my Backbone. And you don’t need a subscription to use the device as a controller for other games. Backbone works as a hub which keeps all of the games under one umbrella. You don’t need a subscription to use the controller for PS Remote Play or play cloud games. Also, I have big hands and the controls feel fine. And there are adapters “free” of charge from Backbone themselves which would solve the “wobbly” issue. This is a quality product.
I can't believe they sell you the product for $100, and to get the most out of it, you then have to pay $40 a year for an app... It takes a product I'd like to buy, and just puts it as an absolute no.
@@latestagegaming even if they just made it a sensible cost like $1 a month… but 40 for an app that’s fairly integral to the physical product you bought 😳
@@TMANcantsnipe Huh? You don't need the app to play PS remote, I've been playing remote just fine and I never installed their app. You just start remote play through the PS app as you would normally would and the backbone should automatically connect.
I love mine, Android version with a 22 Ultra. Found one closed box for $50. No wiggle, no giant camera bumps. Love it for COD mobile and Diablo, sometimes stream my PlayStation too. Haven’t had battery issues either, I run native mobile games on Max visuals and can play for hours. 10/10 for me
Hey David good insight, wondering if you could answer this, but is it possible to use the backbone completely offline? Let’s say I’m out in the woods and bought GTA SA in the Apple Store, no reception no nothing, would it still be useful?
The Backbone doesn’t require internet access to use, so it should work providing the game you’re playing doesn’t require a constant internet connection. The only caveat is that the Backbone app might not work as expected, but you don’t need the app to play. Hope this helps!
My question is outside PlayStation games outside Xbox games. Can I play regular app games from my phone on this system? Like for instants I like playing CSR racing 2 would I be able to play with the backbone?
Ver 2.0 quietly came out for the iPhone 15 (Pro Max), it fits the phone with a CASE, which was a deal-breaker on the original BB. Trigger buttons are improved, and the updated BB is on sale for $69.99 for Black Friday. Only gripe is the power jack is still "inset" so some USB-C cables will not fit.
Backbone owner here 1. I have a switch that I put an attachment on so the grips would make the grips deeper and feel better and I also have the standard backbone & PlayStation backbone and it feels completely fine. I love gaming on my backbone 2. It comes with an attachment not seen in this video that comes in the box that makes my iPhone fit perfectly and not wobble around 3. I bought my backbone from Costco for $70 & it came with a $25 PlayStation credit. it’s not this price all the time but you can get it for a better price when on sale 4. I feel like people who buy the the original or the PlayStation model have an idea of what they’re going to be using it for. With emulators now on both android and Apple. The backbone is 10x better than touch controls and if you use it for psp emulation or PS5 remote play you’ve likely played enough PlayStation you know where each button corresponds to
I’ve had the backbone for awhile - one of the fortunate users who got the lifetime subscription and all the complaints are pretty valid. I recently did a review talking about it as well. My biggest one though has to be you need to remove your phone case in most cases to use the thing. Like you said that grip isn’t very great and now my phone is even more in risk of dropping without the case. As for the grips - I’ve got small hands so it’s not too much of an issue with me.
Cool! I’ll check out your video. I definitely forgot to mention the case issue. Honestly, my phone case comes off super easily so I’ve never been too bothered by it. But for people with more complicated cases that are hard to remove, this is a major issue for sure.
Thats what i was thinking. I already have a ps5 and mount but wanted to know if it was worth getting the backbone over what i already have. From the looks of it the only thing in the Backbone’s favor is travel size. But thats not worth $100s over a normal controller
Controller w phone mounted gets tiring. The controller isnt designed for the added weight and will also affect how u hold it. Ive spent hrs playing like that@Fallen_Angel_6
So I have owned or bought and returned quite a few of these usbc controllers. Including the backbone.. which I returned. The quality just didn't feel like a $120. I finally found the perfect controller, though.. the gamevice.. it is the only one that is compatible with a phone case.. and includes a fitting system for basically every phone and case combo. So it has rigidity, and if you drop it your phone is in its case so no damage.. it fits my s23 ultra no problem. And is compatible with every service available.
Dude same 1st one just stopped functioning properly it would keep move the up stick in game then now since I got a 2nd new one it’s not working properly to where I wanna navigate the main stick control
The backbone is meant for your older devices. Also they have adapters that you can plug in the charger port and plug into your pc so you can use the controller on PC.
It’s interesting that you didnt mention that you generally have to remove the phone from your case to use the backbone. I was one of the early adopters so i got that backbone+ for free, but the thing that stops me from using it most of the time is removing my phone from its case
I guess it wasn’t a big deal for me while making this video because my case is super easy to take off. But I know now that it’s a big deal for many of my viewers. If I ever do another follow up I’ll mention it for sure.
As for the power problem...your phone is still getting more hours than a Steam Deck or ROG or something. It's not terrible when comparing to those, but maybe still not as good as a Switch or something. That said, I have an old LG G6, one of the last phones LG ever made. Resurrecting old phones, and having them dedicated to this is easily the way to go.
I agree with the grip issue. After a short while my fingers start to cramp and go numb. For me it's easier just to pair my ps5 controller. The small sticks are also kind of annoying after a while. Kinda of like holding two short chopsticks to play games.
As far as the wobble goes, it looks like you're not using the adapter. I have a 14 Plus which it provides an adapter that makes the phone fit snuggly in the controller. It says you need the adapter for 13 Pro, 14, 13 Pro Max, 14 Plus and 14 Pro Max. My kids have an XR and 12 Pro and theirs fits perfectly without the adapter.
do not forget to mention the poorly designed ribbon cable in the main support bar. over time the wear and tear of putting it on your phone will eventually break this controller. the buttons will stop registering correctly and you will then need to ship it in for repair. i got a razer kishi v2 for my fix.
I’ve been looking at this thing for a while and thinking about it. I don’t expect to replace my 13 Pro Max for at least another year so that’s enough time to enjoy this thing, but that subscription bit is a huge turnoff. That alone actually has me waiting for the upcoming PS5 remote play handheld.
You get one year of the Backbone+ subscription for free with the purchase of the device, so if you're only expecting to use the Backbone for a year it might work out for you. But I'm curious how Sony's Project Q is going to play out too. Might be a better solution for PS Remote Play if they get the price right.
I recently bought a Backbone controller for my Samsung phone, and I think it's great! I use it to play the PPSSPP emulator. You don't need to sign in to their account or purchase their subscription. That's completely optional!
I got the D6 off of Temu the grip is about the same issue but I still digg it No issue from the D6 with phone grip And not subscriptions it’s free and stays charged for 48 hours , when disconnected from Bluetooth it turns off compatible with iPhone 13 android I didn’t care to read Only issue you need a secondary app to connect so you may find issues if your phones not updated
Honestly the only complaint I had was the subscription service I didn’t know we had to pay 💀 I got 3 free months but still. Other than that I love it, compact, ergonomic, and overall fun to use! 8/10
Are you just saying buzz words at the end? It’s clearly not very ergonomic if you know what that means. It’s fairly bulky and it’s just a controller it has no bearing on how fun the games you play are.
1:57 I'd personally disagree, unless you need a specific application (or a set of them) for your work and there are no alternatives, there are no essential subscriptions.
Got a usb c version for my iPhone 15 pro max. Looks like they reduced the free trial to 3 months and the play on any device settings don’t show up when connected to an iPhone.
This video make me realize that this controller is soon getting incompatible with future iPhones with usbc . That for me is the only con that really outweighs my decision of getting it.
Or incompatible because of the camera bumps on iPhones. They made the adaptor for iPhone 14 Pro but I don't trust that it isn't putting undesired pressure onto the lighting port
The primary reason I bought the backbone is because it is compact, but still fits my niche phone model better than some other controllers that don't have the titular backbone. Slim grips, while decreasing comfort, also somewhat decrease bulk, and it isn't too atrocious given what I play.
I love my controller overall. I use it with an iPhone 13 Pro Max and I have no wiggle issues or anything. The grips ARE kind of sucky. I wish they were larger and a little longer as I have larger hands. I don’t use the Backbone+ so it doesn’t bother me, I use it with RemotePlay so none of the BackBone+ stuff bothers me, can’t imagine using it with my iPad either lol. It’s great on my phone and that’s all I need.
Grips feel fine, especially if you do not have a large hands. What is the biggest issue for me is inserting the phone into USB-c socket. It requires patience and attention so you do not damage either the phone or controller.
What was the manufacturer thinking? After watching a few videos, I searched EXTRA for the 2nd generation variant for “Apple iPhone Android USB-C” when ordering and then ordered accordingly. Even if the manufacturer is probably completely surprised ... I actually have a very rare iPhone 15 Pro. Then I realized that the controller doesn't work with the iPhone at all. To make it compatible, you need an Android phone with USB-C - that makes sense, right? The best thing: I really had to search for a loooooong time to find someone in my environment with an Android phone ... but I managed it. Unfortunately, the controller then shows firmware version 1.2.1 ... along with the note that this is the latest version = no firmware update. The Backbone website then states that the controller for the iPhone 15 only works from version 1.2.2. That's what I call checkmate. I'm sending the space junk back now, and I'm buying a controller that works with the iPhone 15 Pro, just not from Backbone.
i’ve had a backbone for like 7 months and the only issue i have with it is the troubleshooting with the controller and it sometimes stops working. the second issue you mentioned can be solved with the little rubber thing that comes with it
I bought a backbone for Black Friday because it was cheap enough, high reviews, and on the product page listed Genshin Impact. Only to find out I need a subscription to use the button overlay feature within 5 minutes of taking it out of the box. So yeah, taking it back. Im not spending $40 a year to continue to use something that I already paid for and am supposed to own.
The backbone is perfect for me! I don't have a PC or Windows so I always thought I could never use Steam. So when backbone came out, I was finally able to play all the amazing games I saw on steam. And by the way, the grip is literally fine.
What annoyed me the most about the backbone is that the PS edition is not *clearly* stated as being the only compatible version for PS remote Play. All backbone versions are listed as being able to play Xbox, steam and PS games, yet when I got mine, thinking it was just a cosmetic thing I wasn't able to play PS games at all and only after researcing about it did I find the statement of the standard edition not being capable of playing PS games.
I mean, fair! Everyone has different levels of price sensitivity. My issue is that Backbone+ is more expensive than some subscription services that offer large game libraries. For example, a year of Backbone+ is worth four months of basic Game Pass. It’s also twice as expensive as a single year of Nintendo Online for one person (the non-Expansion Pass version.)
4:46 yeah but if you also use Delta Emulator for DS games the DS uses a different layout of buttons (XYAB instead of the newer YXBA) and it’s easier to just remember where the letters were directionally than having to decipher whether or not it’s switched or not.
I got one 2 days ago and to be completely honest it’s alright. The right trigger kinda sucks (a bit sticky). The sticks feel a little small but are otherwise pretty decent. All around the backbone is alright just a little small and kinda cheap feeling other than that it is a good way to play on the go.
Hmm. The sticky right trigger makes me wonder if your device is a bit defective. Mine feels smooth, though now that I think about it the travel is a bit minimal. That could be improved in a new revision.
I don’t have those games, but I don’t see why not. The only game the Backbone has issues with that I’m aware of is Astro’s Playroom, because it uses the DualSense’s adaptive triggers and other features which the Backbone doesn’t have. So I’d bet you’ll be totally fine playing 2K and Madden with the Backbone at work.
@Phoenix Gaming is that really what it literally means? I assumed you could use remote play from anywhere as long as you had internet on your phone and your PlayStation was on
This is correct, you can play from anywhere with an internet connection so long as your PlayStation is on (and you can set it to turn on remotely.) But the quality of the stream can be quite variable depending on a number of factors (speed of your home internet connection, speed of your current connection etc.)
Many thanks for your video, and yes I was going to get the Backbone controller until I saw a number of videos like yours where I was made aware of the subscription, not good so will look for another controller that does not charge a subscription.
All I would want it for is to be able to play my Xbox games that I already have on my Xbox One but on my iPhone. Are you able to use it just to play games you have on your console? And do you recommend it if I am just using it solely for that purpose?
@@latestagegaming I am highly interested but don’t want to waste $100 if I am going to be let down in any fashion. Since it enables me to play my console games on my iPhone, will it also be able to load my saved slots as well in these games?
Your saved slots will load because you’ll be using Xbox Remote Play to stream your existing Xbox games to your phone. To get a sense of what this is like, maybe you should try Remote Play without a Backbone first? You can connect your current Xbox controller to your phone using Bluetooth. Microsoft has more info on how to get started here: www.xbox.com/en-CA/consoles/remote-play
@@latestagegaming Thank you very much. Last thing, Is it true that it only works if Remote Play only works if you are in the vicinity of your console and the console has to be on?
No worries! I don’t have an Xbox, but with the PlayStation you can use Remote Play from anywhere with an internet connection, so you don’t need to be in the same vicinity. That said, the quality of the game streaming may suffer if any of the Internet connections involved are spotty. And yes, the console has to be on. I’m pretty sure Xbox works exactly the same way as the PlayStation.
4:27 The only reason I bought this was because of the build quality and to play PSX and PS2 games. The PS layout was a plus for me. I just wish I knew about how much battery it used.
Рік тому
I disagree with your first point: imho it is small enough for it to fit in your pants pocket while it is big enough to be reasonably comfortable. The Steam Deck is great but not small enough for you to fit on your pocket as I think it is the point with this device.
I sit at a desk all day at work so I can always keep my phone charged, and I’ll be mainly doing remote play so the PS backbone seemed like a no brainer. 40 for a subscription is insane.
You can use the Backbone with Farming Simulator 22 on Xbox Game Pass or on PS4/PS5 via Remote Play. And it looks like Farming Simulator 23 on iOS will work with the Backbone controller too.
I mean it's $100 and on sale got mine for $60. It's not supposed to be like a Rog or another handheld that's a $300 plus machine. It's designed for the ultra compact and on the go playing. I think for sub $100 it's a steal when I can play my Xbox games on my lunch while at work.
I have it and it's perfect, the backbone has work flawlessly considering that most games you just and connect and go, no setup, no mapping. This is a controller for phone, don't think of it as a asus rog, steam deck etc, that's not the purpose of the backbone
For the ability to play pc games on it, the type c charger can be used as a link to the pc or laptop, but yes the membership is needed to use for the app, but for me since i dont really prefer mobile pc games i just use a link cable
- Handles are too short meaning your hands get cramp. - Sticks are offset on the PlayStation version which makes it weird to use for a PS5 user. - Joysticks are really hard to aim to get to 100% movement, making racing games impossible to play as you never get full steering lock. - Have to take the case off your phone to use it. - A point that no one that I have seen has mentioned is the headphone jack makes everything really loud. Like on min phone volume I have to go into the game settings and turn everything down. - No PS button so if you want to get back to the menu you have to use the one on the screen, which is in a menu. Same for touchpad. But there’s 2 buttons for taking pictures! - Backbone subscription is useless for PlayStation users. - Backbone app also has no use to PS users, also very limited customisation on there, such as button swapping or calibration. Only game I have managed to play on it well are the Telltale walking simulations or gold with the 3 click swing.
I got the 2gen backbone. There is nothing wrong with it, and the subscription you dont need it unless you want to use the extra feature like screen recording. You can use it on your Playstation and xbox and Android games just fine not sure what this guy is complaining
Sorry to tell you but the only thing that I see a problem with the backbone is the sub and price of it. I would recommend if you buy it you go for the Playstation version b/c the other one doesn't work with PS remote play. The PS one does work for Xbox Cloud Gaming though.
I do have a question I bought a Backbone a while ago. I ended up returning it and I just recently got a new one. Can I still use and have my Backbone plus or do I have to buy it even though I had already had it?
6th and the worst problem Noone talk about is: YOU MUST ALWAYS REMOVE YOUR PHONE FROM THE CASE TO FIT IN. CAUSED ME TO DROP AND BREAK MY PHONE WHEN REMOVING FRIM THE BACKBONE CONTROLLER. EXPENSIVE EXPERIENCE
Just returned my backbone today. $99 plus subscription is not acceptable. And yes, the grips are so slim and the buttons feel like they’ll break with extended use.
Not gonna lie, it hasnt really affected my battery performance, i like the original backbone, and the size is perfect for my hands. Medium to large hands.
My hands are about the same size I’d say, and it’s comfortable for me too. But I definitely have noticed the battery impact. My phone is usually a battery champ, but it takes a major dip when I use the Backbone with it.
I love my backbone PS version… to each their own, but I personally love how it feels, and despite the asymmetrical design that ps controllers have, I enjoy playing on it…
I bought one recently, and I like it. About the grip, it's true that's nowhere near as good as a real controller or other products, but if you're used to holding you phone, well anything is an improvement, but if you're used to a better grip them Backbone will be a bad experience. What I really hated is that subscription part. When I installed the app it says nothing about it or how much time left I have, I only discovered about it reading the FAQ. And even there it's misleading, it only mentions that X feature is paid on the IPhone FAQ, nothing abiut it on Android FAQ so what's the deal? Android has the feature for free or will I get a nasty surprise 1 year later? But for playing on my phone with steam link, I have been using it daily for the last week.
I have been using the PlayStation Backbone on my iPhone 14 Pro over cellular data playing Steam games, using Steam Link. It works great!! You don't have to have Backbone+ subscription. I'm able to take screenshots, text etc. My only issue with the Backbone is not with Sony itself. The issue is with Steam because they use Xbox icons instead of PlayStation icons even though I have the PlayStation button layout Backbone.. Everybody knows PlayStation is better than Xbox. I'm currently playing Marvel Spider-Man remastered, I believe because you are streaming it maxes out at 60 FPS. it looks great and plays amazing.
You know what gaming controller is better than a backbone? The g8 galileo. Feels premium because of the controller type model and way better in every aspect compared to the backbone, and has a feature that you can use to play touchscreen only games, and theres no paywall. And the best part? Its $20 cheaper.
Really the only difference is whether it’s Bluetooth or plugged in and if it has an app. If you don’t plan on getting the backbone or razer app go for a cheaper alternative cus they do literally the same thing
What’s the best alternative ? I really like the backbone but I don’t want to take my case off when using it, I’d get the 2nd gen but I have an iPhone 14 Pro so I can’t use it because of usb-c
If you're fine with playing on the smallest green and you get the newer backbone it's not bad at all I bought one at the pawn shop for like 50 bucks here in Alaska and I've only used it three times cuz I just can't stand playing an extended amount of time on a small screen unless I'm playing one of those turn-based games...
Game at 1:30? The only thing I dislike about the backbone is that it won’t work on an iPad unless you get the plus I have a lightning-lightning extender cable and it still recognises it and won’t work with it Meanwhile the gamesir with the extender cable works on iPad That said, the quality on the backbone is wayyy better than the gamesir so… it’s a shame I didn’t buy it when they launched to get the free lifetime +
The subscription for the Backbone controller is an issue for iOS users. The app isn't required to use the controller or its features. There are free alternatives. While you point out design issues with the Backbone, it's worth noting that you're comparing it to a device that's 900% more expensive and lacks adjustable parts. Even if the Backbone is only 1/10 as good, it would still offer identical value. Moreover, it's cheaper than most controllers and since it's a very different product, that's even a silly comparison. The wobble issue is a problem shared with the Razer Kishi and the Gamesir X2 Pro; this is a reason not to buy this type of product. It drains less battery and has USB-C PD Passthrough. Don't use Apple; USB-C is pretty universal.
So can you only play steam games if you have the subscription service? Looking for something to play the games I bought off steam since my laptop is broken. The steam deck seems a bit pricey for me right now.
You can stream Steam games to your phone via something like Moonlight, but you’d need a PC to do that. A subscription to Backbone+ wouldn’t help either way.
For Sony, I couldn't believe the Portal wouldn't work on my local network while our internet was down. I returned it because of this "always online" BS. What's worst, I was able to remote play on my Steam Deck over my local, "internet-down" situation using Chiaki and the performance was so much smoother on top of it. Sony needs to do better. I came here thinking I would buy a Backbone, but I'm already turned off to the notion. Thank you.
I love the grips because it’s small enough to actually take places. That’s my issue with my other “mobile” gaming solutions. This is just my phone + a thin controller.
I have a backbone and my iphone 8plus honestly doesnt have a wiggling problem,the price isnt a problem and honestly the grips are perfctly fine for me ,i dont know how people complain about this💀
Why have to pay for a service? If you just want to use it for emulation? What features are blocked by not paying for the service? Can you just not use it?
I love my Razor Kishi, but it only works on some games. I've found it works on Castlevania but not with Contra or Ocean Horn. Some other games it doesn't work on are Mighty Doom and Tomb Raider Reloaded. Came here hoping this would mention this device works on ALL mobile games from Google Play Store. Not about to buy yet another device with subpar compatibility. If you own one, let me know if it works for ALL your phone games.
the gamevice doesnt have that wiggle, has thicker grips, same price, and no power/port problems EVER. they just have good marketing lol i’m glad i did my research because i almost bought a backbone
I liked your critical perspective. I am very tired of UA-camrs failing to mention negative aspects of the products they review (aka shilling).
Glad it was helpful!
yeah. they have this trend to, just as tv commercials, to become review commercials.
Paid reviews probably
@@leejones3061
Almost certainly
Almost 99% of the reviwers are lying straight out for giftbaskets and free stuff. Disgusting
I absolutely love my Backbone. And you don’t need a subscription to use the device as a controller for other games. Backbone works as a hub which keeps all of the games under one umbrella. You don’t need a subscription to use the controller for PS Remote Play or play cloud games. Also, I have big hands and the controls feel fine. And there are adapters “free” of charge from Backbone themselves which would solve the “wobbly” issue. This is a quality product.
@mylo4919 Yes
Could I use the backbone to play Apple Arcade games?
Yes, you can definitely use the Backbone to play Apple Arcade games.
@@latestagegamingcan I play normal apple play games? Like brawlhalla if you kno what game that is lol
@@latestagegamingCan i play roblox with it?
I can't believe they sell you the product for $100, and to get the most out of it, you then have to pay $40 a year for an app... It takes a product I'd like to buy, and just puts it as an absolute no.
Yeah, it’s a gross business move for sure. I know it’s turning off a lot of would-be purchasers.
@@latestagegaming even if they just made it a sensible cost like $1 a month… but 40 for an app that’s fairly integral to the physical product you bought 😳
Actually there’s a brand new PlayStation Backbone for Android! Just came out recently.
You don't. The subscription is completely useless.
It's like saying "i need a Xbox Game Pass subscription to get the most out of my console"
@@TMANcantsnipe Huh? You don't need the app to play PS remote, I've been playing remote just fine and I never installed their app. You just start remote play through the PS app as you would normally would and the backbone should automatically connect.
So tired of every company looking to dig its claws into your monthly expenses.
You accept the Monetary System so you accept all the sideeffects also the bad ones😂
I don't use a subscription. I'm playing it on my Galaxy 24 Ultra. Its awesome.
im just getting into it. what mobile games do you recommend? do you play thru the play store app or thru backbones games?
I play arena breakout
@@dapperpenguinghostuse an emulator to play games it’s the best
I love mine, Android version with a 22 Ultra. Found one closed box for $50. No wiggle, no giant camera bumps. Love it for COD mobile and Diablo, sometimes stream my PlayStation too. Haven’t had battery issues either, I run native mobile games on Max visuals and can play for hours. 10/10 for me
Fair! I’m actually a big fan too, but I wanted to explore some of its flaws. I did the same for the positives of the device in other videos.
Hey David good insight, wondering if you could answer this, but is it possible to use the backbone completely offline? Let’s say I’m out in the woods and bought GTA SA in the Apple Store, no reception no nothing, would it still be useful?
The Backbone doesn’t require internet access to use, so it should work providing the game you’re playing doesn’t require a constant internet connection. The only caveat is that the Backbone app might not work as expected, but you don’t need the app to play. Hope this helps!
My question is outside PlayStation games outside Xbox games. Can I play regular app games from my phone on this system? Like for instants I like playing CSR racing 2 would I be able to play with the backbone?
Yeah, that shouldn’t be a problem at all. I play regular iPhone games from the App Store with my Backbone all the time.
Ver 2.0 quietly came out for the iPhone 15 (Pro Max), it fits the phone with a CASE, which was a deal-breaker on the original BB. Trigger buttons are improved, and the updated BB is on sale for $69.99 for Black Friday. Only gripe is the power jack is still "inset" so some USB-C cables will not fit.
Will it fit with an otterbox defender?
Backbone owner here
1. I have a switch that I put an attachment on so the grips would make the grips deeper and feel better and I also have the standard backbone & PlayStation backbone and it feels completely fine. I love gaming on my backbone
2. It comes with an attachment not seen in this video that comes in the box that makes my iPhone fit perfectly and not wobble around
3. I bought my backbone from Costco for $70 & it came with a $25 PlayStation credit. it’s not this price all the time but you can get it for a better price when on sale
4. I feel like people who buy the the original or the PlayStation model have an idea of what they’re going to be using it for. With emulators now on both android and Apple. The backbone is 10x better than touch controls and if you use it for psp emulation or PS5 remote play you’ve likely played enough PlayStation you know where each button corresponds to
I’ve had the backbone for awhile - one of the fortunate users who got the lifetime subscription and all the complaints are pretty valid. I recently did a review talking about it as well.
My biggest one though has to be you need to remove your phone case in most cases to use the thing. Like you said that grip isn’t very great and now my phone is even more in risk of dropping without the case.
As for the grips - I’ve got small hands so it’s not too much of an issue with me.
Cool! I’ll check out your video. I definitely forgot to mention the case issue. Honestly, my phone case comes off super easily so I’ve never been too bothered by it. But for people with more complicated cases that are hard to remove, this is a major issue for sure.
My bad not messing for you for the veido
To anyone thinking of getting a backbone, just get a regular controller and a mount it's the same price, and regular controller is better
What if I want to play while driving
@@gerardoaldana9374 💀
Its not even close to the same tho.
Thats what i was thinking. I already have a ps5 and mount but wanted to know if it was worth getting the backbone over what i already have. From the looks of it the only thing in the Backbone’s favor is travel size. But thats not worth $100s over a normal controller
Controller w phone mounted gets tiring. The controller isnt designed for the added weight and will also affect how u hold it. Ive spent hrs playing like that@Fallen_Angel_6
So I have owned or bought and returned quite a few of these usbc controllers. Including the backbone.. which I returned. The quality just didn't feel like a $120. I finally found the perfect controller, though.. the gamevice.. it is the only one that is compatible with a phone case.. and includes a fitting system for basically every phone and case combo. So it has rigidity, and if you drop it your phone is in its case so no damage.. it fits my s23 ultra no problem. And is compatible with every service available.
Nice! Yeah, I’m planning to check it out at some point. I’ll definitely share my opinions on my channel.
Thanks I’m going to look into that one not willing to pay $50 yearly to play phone games.
Dude same 1st one just stopped functioning properly it would keep move the up stick in game then now since I got a 2nd new one it’s not working properly to where I wanna navigate the main stick control
The backbone is meant for your older devices. Also they have adapters that you can plug in the charger port and plug into your pc so you can use the controller on PC.
True, but the connection to PC or other devices only works if you have the paid Backbone+ subscription.
It’s interesting that you didnt mention that you generally have to remove the phone from your case to use the backbone. I was one of the early adopters so i got that backbone+ for free, but the thing that stops me from using it most of the time is removing my phone from its case
I guess it wasn’t a big deal for me while making this video because my case is super easy to take off. But I know now that it’s a big deal for many of my viewers. If I ever do another follow up I’ll mention it for sure.
@@latestagegamingthat’s a better paint than you last point. You should’ve used that instead.
Negligible point. I mean really?
That's negligible by a mulviversal mile
Man, you're just fvking lazy bro
As for the power problem...your phone is still getting more hours than a Steam Deck or ROG or something. It's not terrible when comparing to those, but maybe still not as good as a Switch or something. That said, I have an old LG G6, one of the last phones LG ever made. Resurrecting old phones, and having them dedicated to this is easily the way to go.
I agree with the grip issue. After a short while my fingers start to cramp and go numb. For me it's easier just to pair my ps5 controller. The small sticks are also kind of annoying after a while. Kinda of like holding two short chopsticks to play games.
Which game are u using the PS5 controller?
As far as the wobble goes, it looks like you're not using the adapter. I have a 14 Plus which it provides an adapter that makes the phone fit snuggly in the controller. It says you need the adapter for 13 Pro, 14, 13 Pro Max, 14 Plus and 14 Pro Max. My kids have an XR and 12 Pro and theirs fits perfectly without the adapter.
I have a regular iPhone 13, so the adapter is apparently not meant for my phone.
I will still get it as my family uses the tv a lot. So having this will be nice to still play fifa while my family can watch tv
do not forget to mention the poorly designed ribbon cable in the main support bar. over time the wear and tear of putting it on your phone will eventually break this controller. the buttons will stop registering correctly and you will then need to ship it in for repair. i got a razer kishi v2 for my fix.
I’ve been looking at this thing for a while and thinking about it. I don’t expect to replace my 13 Pro Max for at least another year so that’s enough time to enjoy this thing, but that subscription bit is a huge turnoff. That alone actually has me waiting for the upcoming PS5 remote play handheld.
You get one year of the Backbone+ subscription for free with the purchase of the device, so if you're only expecting to use the Backbone for a year it might work out for you. But I'm curious how Sony's Project Q is going to play out too. Might be a better solution for PS Remote Play if they get the price right.
@@latestagegaming1 month on amazon for me
It’s trash man it’s gonna. Break one way or the other
I recently bought a Backbone controller for my Samsung phone, and I think it's great! I use it to play the PPSSPP emulator. You don't need to sign in to their account or purchase their subscription. That's completely optional!
What games did you play?
I got the D6 off of Temu the grip is about the same issue but I still digg it
No issue from the D6 with phone grip
And not subscriptions it’s free and stays charged for 48 hours , when disconnected from Bluetooth it turns off compatible with iPhone 13 android I didn’t care to read
Only issue you need a secondary app to connect so you may find issues if your phones not updated
Honestly the only complaint I had was the subscription service I didn’t know we had to pay 💀 I got 3 free months but still. Other than that I love it, compact, ergonomic, and overall fun to use! 8/10
Glad to hear you like it! And yes, that subscription needs to be better advertised.
Are you just saying buzz words at the end? It’s clearly not very ergonomic if you know what that means. It’s fairly bulky and it’s just a controller it has no bearing on how fun the games you play are.
@@latestagegamingdo you need to get a backbone membership just to connect to your Xbox account?
1:57 I'd personally disagree, unless you need a specific application (or a set of them) for your work and there are no alternatives, there are no essential subscriptions.
Never understood how the backbone could be more expensive than a dualsense
Right?!?
I bought one today and i absolutely hate it! The feel of the controller the toggles are to far apart i took mine back
Got a usb c version for my iPhone 15 pro max. Looks like they reduced the free trial to 3 months and the play on any device settings don’t show up when connected to an iPhone.
That subscription service is what I hate the most. Or, the fact that it is not advertised to help you with your purchase decision.
This video make me realize that this controller is soon getting incompatible with future iPhones with usbc . That for me is the only con that really outweighs my decision of getting it.
Yeah, it’s too bad. Hopefully there will be a dongle or something to help with compatibility.
Or incompatible because of the camera bumps on iPhones. They made the adaptor for iPhone 14 Pro but I don't trust that it isn't putting undesired pressure onto the lighting port
The primary reason I bought the backbone is because it is compact, but still fits my niche phone model better than some other controllers that don't have the titular backbone. Slim grips, while decreasing comfort, also somewhat decrease bulk, and it isn't too atrocious given what I play.
I love my controller overall. I use it with an iPhone 13 Pro Max and I have no wiggle issues or anything. The grips ARE kind of sucky. I wish they were larger and a little longer as I have larger hands. I don’t use the Backbone+ so it doesn’t bother me, I use it with RemotePlay so none of the BackBone+ stuff bothers me, can’t imagine using it with my iPad either lol. It’s great on my phone and that’s all I need.
Good stuff! Yeah, I definitely wish the grips were better too.
@@latestagegamingthey will probably have bigger grips maybe someday
This is a recent product so plans are yet a come
Grips feel fine, especially if you do not have a large hands. What is the biggest issue for me is inserting the phone into USB-c socket. It requires patience and attention so you do not damage either the phone or controller.
Hello, what's the name of the first game (1:33) please?
gunfire reborn
Wow, I didn't know about the subscription. Thanks for the information!
I was gonna get it but now I’m not sure, any advice?
Dont
What was the manufacturer thinking?
After watching a few videos, I searched EXTRA for the 2nd generation variant for “Apple iPhone Android USB-C” when ordering and then ordered accordingly. Even if the manufacturer is probably completely surprised ... I actually have a very rare iPhone 15 Pro.
Then I realized that the controller doesn't work with the iPhone at all. To make it compatible, you need an Android phone with USB-C - that makes sense, right?
The best thing: I really had to search for a loooooong time to find someone in my environment with an Android phone ... but I managed it. Unfortunately, the controller then shows firmware version 1.2.1 ... along with the note that this is the latest version = no firmware update. The Backbone website then states that the controller for the iPhone 15 only works from version 1.2.2.
That's what I call checkmate.
I'm sending the space junk back now, and I'm buying a controller that works with the iPhone 15 Pro, just not from Backbone.
just got my subscription for this always love someone giving honest opinions hope to see you continue with the work bro
1:24 well in Canada, one dollar is worth less than a usd, I don’t really know why but for example: 50 USD ≈ 60 CD (Canadian dollar)
i’ve had a backbone for like 7 months and the only issue i have with it is the troubleshooting with the controller and it sometimes stops working. the second issue you mentioned can be solved with the little rubber thing that comes with it
Too bad that it stops working sometimes. I haven’t had any quality control issues so far, so I guess I’m one of the lucky ones.
I bought a backbone for Black Friday because it was cheap enough, high reviews, and on the product page listed Genshin Impact.
Only to find out I need a subscription to use the button overlay feature within 5 minutes of taking it out of the box. So yeah, taking it back. Im not spending $40 a year to continue to use something that I already paid for and am supposed to own.
what is the name of the game he was playing @ 3:45 because I remember I used to play it but I cant recall the name
It looks like sky
@@Akatsuki-000 no I would know if it’s sky it’s not
@@mhmadmatar9835 oh okay
Great review, thank you. Backs my decision to go with GameSir. What is the racing game at minute 3?
You’re welcome, thanks for watching. That would be Horizon Chase 2
The backbone is perfect for me! I don't have a PC or Windows so I always thought I could never use Steam. So when backbone came out, I was finally able to play all the amazing games I saw on steam. And by the way, the grip is literally fine.
Glad you’re enjoying it
No they aren’t you just have small hands
I have big hands and they are fine. Dont be such a sook@@riptaiyo
What annoyed me the most about the backbone is that the PS edition is not *clearly* stated as being the only compatible version for PS remote Play.
All backbone versions are listed as being able to play Xbox, steam and PS games, yet when I got mine, thinking it was just a cosmetic thing I wasn't able to play PS games at all and only after researcing about it did I find the statement of the standard edition not being capable of playing PS games.
I don’t think 39 dollars for a whole year is that bad, a month yeah but a year I can say is fair
I mean, fair! Everyone has different levels of price sensitivity. My issue is that Backbone+ is more expensive than some subscription services that offer large game libraries. For example, a year of Backbone+ is worth four months of basic Game Pass. It’s also twice as expensive as a single year of Nintendo Online for one person (the non-Expansion Pass version.)
Yeah 1 year ps plus subscription is 60 dollars
Thank you for getting straight to the point.
Real mvp
U just saved me from buying one I literally had it in my Amazon cart. Removing from cart now
Glad I could help! It’s not for everyone.
It’s one the best controller. Definitely buy it
4:46 yeah but if you also use Delta Emulator for DS games the DS uses a different layout of buttons (XYAB instead of the newer YXBA) and it’s easier to just remember where the letters were directionally than having to decipher whether or not it’s switched or not.
The price competitor is the Game Vice flex. Imo it’s the best hand held controller
Good point! I should have included that as well
Yup, i just bought the Gamevice flex, it fits perfectly with my case on.
recently bought a backbone for my iphone 13 for 43 bucks (brand new) I do like the device its very fun to use and easy to transport
I got one 2 days ago and to be completely honest it’s alright. The right trigger kinda sucks (a bit sticky). The sticks feel a little small but are otherwise pretty decent. All around the backbone is alright just a little small and kinda cheap feeling other than that it is a good way to play on the go.
Hmm. The sticky right trigger makes me wonder if your device is a bit defective. Mine feels smooth, though now that I think about it the travel is a bit minimal. That could be improved in a new revision.
Can you play any and all ps5 games on it ? So I could play 2k or madden my career ? While at work on my phone?
I don’t have those games, but I don’t see why not. The only game the Backbone has issues with that I’m aware of is Astro’s Playroom, because it uses the DualSense’s adaptive triggers and other features which the Backbone doesn’t have. So I’d bet you’ll be totally fine playing 2K and Madden with the Backbone at work.
@Phoenix Gaming is that really what it literally means? I assumed you could use remote play from anywhere as long as you had internet on your phone and your PlayStation was on
This is correct, you can play from anywhere with an internet connection so long as your PlayStation is on (and you can set it to turn on remotely.) But the quality of the stream can be quite variable depending on a number of factors (speed of your home internet connection, speed of your current connection etc.)
Many thanks for your video, and yes I was going to get the Backbone controller until I saw a number of videos like yours where I was made aware of the subscription, not good so will look for another controller that does not charge a subscription.
Glad I could help!
All I would want it for is to be able to play my Xbox games that I already have on my Xbox One but on my iPhone. Are you able to use it just to play games you have on your console? And do you recommend it if I am just using it solely for that purpose?
Yeah, for sure. But I’d get the Backbone One instead of the PS Backbone, because the button layout of the One matches the Xbox button layout.
@@latestagegaming I am highly interested but don’t want to waste $100 if I am going to be let down in any fashion. Since it enables me to play my console games on my iPhone, will it also be able to load my saved slots as well in these games?
Your saved slots will load because you’ll be using Xbox Remote Play to stream your existing Xbox games to your phone. To get a sense of what this is like, maybe you should try Remote Play without a Backbone first? You can connect your current Xbox controller to your phone using Bluetooth. Microsoft has more info on how to get started here: www.xbox.com/en-CA/consoles/remote-play
@@latestagegaming Thank you very much. Last thing, Is it true that it only works if Remote Play only works if you are in the vicinity of your console and the console has to be on?
No worries! I don’t have an Xbox, but with the PlayStation you can use Remote Play from anywhere with an internet connection, so you don’t need to be in the same vicinity. That said, the quality of the game streaming may suffer if any of the Internet connections involved are spotty. And yes, the console has to be on. I’m pretty sure Xbox works exactly the same way as the PlayStation.
4:27 The only reason I bought this was because of the build quality and to play PSX and PS2 games. The PS layout was a plus for me. I just wish I knew about how much battery it used.
I disagree with your first point: imho it is small enough for it to fit in your pants pocket while it is big enough to be reasonably comfortable. The Steam Deck is great but not small enough for you to fit on your pocket as I think it is the point with this device.
I sit at a desk all day at work so I can always keep my phone charged, and I’ll be mainly doing remote play so the PS backbone seemed like a no brainer. 40 for a subscription is insane.
Do you know if you can play farm simulator on this? I gave my son, my old iPhone 13 instead of lugging the Xbox around.
You can use the Backbone with Farming Simulator 22 on Xbox Game Pass or on PS4/PS5 via Remote Play. And it looks like Farming Simulator 23 on iOS will work with the Backbone controller too.
I've genuinely been considering this but then you pointed out the subscription and i changed my mind
Thanks for your review. I’m not buying this because of the sub service. What a shame
Same
I went on the Backbone site. The membership isn't nessicary. You can choose the free. The membership is just an option.
True. I realize now I completely forgot to mention the word “optional” in this video, though I did in others. Good catch.
So which one would you recommend for IPhone (iOS) users without subscription?
I just got one and love it.
I mean it's $100 and on sale got mine for $60. It's not supposed to be like a Rog or another handheld that's a $300 plus machine. It's designed for the ultra compact and on the go playing. I think for sub $100 it's a steal when I can play my Xbox games on my lunch while at work.
I have it and it's perfect, the backbone has work flawlessly considering that most games you just and connect and go, no setup, no mapping. This is a controller for phone, don't think of it as a asus rog, steam deck etc, that's not the purpose of the backbone
For the ability to play pc games on it, the type c charger can be used as a link to the pc or laptop, but yes the membership is needed to use for the app, but for me since i dont really prefer mobile pc games i just use a link cable
- Handles are too short meaning your hands get cramp.
- Sticks are offset on the PlayStation version which makes it weird to use for a PS5 user.
- Joysticks are really hard to aim to get to 100% movement, making racing games impossible to play as you never get full steering lock.
- Have to take the case off your phone to use it.
- A point that no one that I have seen has mentioned is the headphone jack makes everything really loud. Like on min phone volume I have to go into the game settings and turn everything down.
- No PS button so if you want to get back to the menu you have to use the one on the screen, which is in a menu. Same for touchpad. But there’s 2 buttons for taking pictures!
- Backbone subscription is useless for PlayStation users.
- Backbone app also has no use to PS users, also very limited customisation on there, such as button swapping or calibration.
Only game I have managed to play on it well are the Telltale walking simulations or gold with the 3 click swing.
All good points! I haven’t noticed the volume issue, but I’ll check it out asap to see if I experience the same problem.
I feel like power and port problems are an issue with any and all accessories that use power from the ports so it should not be too much of a concern
I got the 2gen backbone. There is nothing wrong with it, and the subscription you dont need it unless you want to use the extra feature like screen recording. You can use it on your Playstation and xbox and Android games just fine not sure what this guy is complaining
Screen recording is an Extra feature? Since when? I thought ever since 7th Gen screen recording has been standard
Sorry to tell you but the only thing that I see a problem with the backbone is the sub and price of it. I would recommend if you buy it you go for the Playstation version b/c the other one doesn't work with PS remote play. The PS one does work for Xbox Cloud Gaming though.
Also you can just resell the backbone for less, so people who still use lightning based one can buy a somewhat used on for less.
I do have a question I bought a Backbone a while ago. I ended up returning it and I just recently got a new one. Can I still use and have my Backbone plus or do I have to buy it even though I had already had it?
6th and the worst problem Noone talk about is: YOU MUST ALWAYS REMOVE YOUR PHONE FROM THE CASE TO FIT IN. CAUSED ME TO DROP AND BREAK MY PHONE WHEN REMOVING FRIM THE BACKBONE CONTROLLER. EXPENSIVE EXPERIENCE
So if im playing Cod mobile or pubg or something on the phone, do i even need the backbone subscription?
I like mine. I don't use it all day everyday. It's for when I'm traveling and away from home. It works for what I need it for
I bought a back bone at my job because we were $17 away from sales and they had the last one in stock for $30
Just returned my backbone today. $99 plus subscription is not acceptable. And yes, the grips are so slim and the buttons feel like they’ll break with extended use.
Not gonna lie, it hasnt really affected my battery performance, i like the original backbone, and the size is perfect for my hands. Medium to large hands.
My hands are about the same size I’d say, and it’s comfortable for me too. But I definitely have noticed the battery impact. My phone is usually a battery champ, but it takes a major dip when I use the Backbone with it.
I did notice there were no grips but honestly the device is thick enough to the point it didnt matter
I love my backbone PS version… to each their own, but I personally love how it feels, and despite the asymmetrical design that ps controllers have, I enjoy playing on it…
Can you still use the Xbox version even though you have the playstation. How do I get the one where I can use it on Xbox or on ps
I bought one recently, and I like it.
About the grip, it's true that's nowhere near as good as a real controller or other products, but if you're used to holding you phone, well anything is an improvement, but if you're used to a better grip them Backbone will be a bad experience.
What I really hated is that subscription part. When I installed the app it says nothing about it or how much time left I have, I only discovered about it reading the FAQ.
And even there it's misleading, it only mentions that X feature is paid on the IPhone FAQ, nothing abiut it on Android FAQ so what's the deal? Android has the feature for free or will I get a nasty surprise 1 year later?
But for playing on my phone with steam link, I have been using it daily for the last week.
Nice video! What game were you playing at 12 seconds?
Thanks! That would be Sayonara Wild Hearts
I have been using the PlayStation Backbone on my iPhone 14 Pro over cellular data playing Steam games, using Steam Link. It works great!! You don't have to have Backbone+ subscription. I'm able to take screenshots, text etc. My only issue with the Backbone is not with Sony itself. The issue is with Steam because they use Xbox icons instead of PlayStation icons even though I have the PlayStation button layout Backbone.. Everybody knows PlayStation is better than Xbox. I'm currently playing Marvel Spider-Man remastered, I believe because you are streaming it maxes out at 60 FPS. it looks great and plays amazing.
You know what gaming controller is better than a backbone? The g8 galileo. Feels premium because of the controller type model and way better in every aspect compared to the backbone, and has a feature that you can use to play touchscreen only games, and theres no paywall. And the best part? Its $20 cheaper.
Really the only difference is whether it’s Bluetooth or plugged in and if it has an app. If you don’t plan on getting the backbone or razer app go for a cheaper alternative cus they do literally the same thing
What’s the best alternative ? I really like the backbone but I don’t want to take my case off when using it, I’d get the 2nd gen but I have an iPhone 14 Pro so I can’t use it because of usb-c
If you're fine with playing on the smallest green and you get the newer backbone it's not bad at all I bought one at the pawn shop for like 50 bucks here in Alaska and I've only used it three times cuz I just can't stand playing an extended amount of time on a small screen unless I'm playing one of those turn-based games...
With wireless charging, the charging con isn’t really something to worry about
I avoided the PlayStation version because I primarily play Xbox. I didn’t want to confuse myself with the button layout.
What would be the best controller to work with an iPhone 13 Pro Max?
Game at 1:30?
The only thing I dislike about the backbone is that it won’t work on an iPad unless you get the plus
I have a lightning-lightning extender cable and it still recognises it and won’t work with it
Meanwhile the gamesir with the extender cable works on iPad
That said, the quality on the backbone is wayyy better than the gamesir so… it’s a shame I didn’t buy it when they launched to get the free lifetime +
Nice video 👍
BTW What was the cartoon fps game you were playing ???
The subscription for the Backbone controller is an issue for iOS users. The app isn't required to use the controller or its features. There are free alternatives.
While you point out design issues with the Backbone, it's worth noting that you're comparing it to a device that's 900% more expensive and lacks adjustable parts. Even if the Backbone is only 1/10 as good, it would still offer identical value. Moreover, it's cheaper than most controllers and since it's a very different product, that's even a silly comparison.
The wobble issue is a problem shared with the Razer Kishi and the Gamesir X2 Pro; this is a reason not to buy this type of product.
It drains less battery and has USB-C PD Passthrough.
Don't use Apple; USB-C is pretty universal.
So can you only play steam games if you have the subscription service? Looking for something to play the games I bought off steam since my laptop is broken. The steam deck seems a bit pricey for me right now.
You can stream Steam games to your phone via something like Moonlight, but you’d need a PC to do that. A subscription to Backbone+ wouldn’t help either way.
For Sony, I couldn't believe the Portal wouldn't work on my local network while our internet was down. I returned it because of this "always online" BS. What's worst, I was able to remote play on my Steam Deck over my local, "internet-down" situation using Chiaki and the performance was so much smoother on top of it. Sony needs to do better. I came here thinking I would buy a Backbone, but I'm already turned off to the notion. Thank you.
I love the grips because it’s small enough to actually take places. That’s my issue with my other “mobile” gaming solutions. This is just my phone + a thin controller.
I have a backbone and my iphone 8plus honestly doesnt have a wiggling problem,the price isnt a problem and honestly the grips are perfctly fine for me ,i dont know how people complain about this💀
I bought a backbone for WZM and the inability to reconfigure the button layout makes playing so awkward I’m most likely going to be returning it
Why have to pay for a service? If you just want to use it for emulation? What features are blocked by not paying for the service? Can you just not use it?
I love my Razor Kishi, but it only works on some games. I've found it works on Castlevania but not with Contra or Ocean Horn. Some other games it doesn't work on are Mighty Doom and Tomb Raider Reloaded.
Came here hoping this would mention this device works on ALL mobile games from Google Play Store. Not about to buy yet another device with subpar compatibility. If you own one, let me know if it works for ALL your phone games.
the gamevice doesnt have that wiggle, has thicker grips, same price, and no power/port problems EVER. they just have good marketing lol i’m glad i did my research because i almost bought a backbone