Just received this for my bday. Works great on all my emulation and gamepass games.. glad i dont care for anything that the subscription is charging for.
@@Whisper-r Optional sure, but for features I'd want... I flat out do NOT support this bs subscription model businesses try to use. They are like roaches, you see one you crush it otherwise they multiply. Get out of here with your suckling at the corporate teat.
@@Whisper-r just like how dlc is "optional" until it started being so intrusive that the basic functionality of the game was compromised and games started to be developed around micro transactions. Then you get games like Assassins Creed Oddysey where progression is halted unless you pay for the experience boost. It's a slippery slope.
Yeah putting a subscription that gates features that shouldn't be behind a paywall is just pure greed especially when the controller costs as much as it does!
You don't need a subscription to use it. The subscription gives you in game rewards and game clips. Other than that the subscription is optional. I've been using mines for weeks without it
@@Sclogathere are features that they lock behind the paywall as well. Such as the app itself working like advertised in their screenshots and boxart as well as being able to use the controller on every screen. Yes you can still “use” the controller but ultimately there’s features that are locked.
I'm looking for a controller right now! Thanks sooo much Lon for taking this off the table. I'm considering an 8bitdo 2.4ghz ultimate but I'll look into the gamesir g8 too.
@@Whisper-r yes it's optional. I would understand if it was just the cloud features, but it's not. plugging into the PC should be a default functionality that shouldn't require an app let alone a subscription.
I recently purchased one when I found out Apple were allowing emulators. I have to say I’m highly satisfied with it. I just ignored the subscription completely and the only thing I ever suppose I might need is the joystick calibration but at least that’s free. I wouldn’t in a million years pay for the subscription, but it is a great product! I highly recommend it if you have $100 to spare!
@@evanwilliams8627 I was going to ask that . I use the delta app & wanted to know if this will work with that app ? If anyone knows also plz & thank u 🙏🏽
I notice there are 2 part number for backbone usbc black controller I wonder what is the difference BB-51-P-BR & BB-51-B-BR Does anyone know if there is any difference?
Now that emulation is available on iOS, the backbone comes in clutch. Won’t need a subscription because it does everything I need it to do. Love this piece of tech
Bought this but it wouldn't detect my Z Fold 3. Planned to return it but my son wanted to try it on his Galaxy Note 9 where it worked fine, so I kept it. The Gamesir G8 Galileo is honestly a better option - and it can extend wide enough to fit an iPad Mini...
Hardware that requires a subscription for core functionality is an instant no for me. If for no other reason that when the service inevitably closes in a couple of years, it becomes useless. As consumers, we need to start rejecting things like this outright.
Getting this specifically for my phone, glad it will fit my S22 Ultra. But still not happy about the stand alone controller function being locked behind a subscription paywall. I get the higher framerate capture and cloud storage features, but i agree that locking hardware functions is ridiculous.
Thank you for the review! For the thicker iPhone cases, especially those with a thick bezel around the camera bump, do you think the tilt would place stress on the usbc port off the phone and/or backbone?
Thanks for your very informative video, however I've yet to find a definitive answer to a query I have. I have this exact controller on order, but pp just can't find this info anywhere. Thanks
8:20 so far everything is good. Don't care about the extra features. Let's see what else this video tells me about wether I should buy it or not. Side note. Subscription thingy is dumb.. Edit: I'm sold. Thank you for spending your money and time helping us out to make a decision about this product. 2nd EDIT : I should've paid attention to the fact that you mentioned that the feel of the analog sticks are the same as the switch joycons. You hit it right on the money with that statement. That said. After buying them and trying them. That's the reason why I decided to return this promising product. Didn't feel like I had any control of the game I was trying to play. Disappointing purchase. But got my money back. Thanks again for this review.
Yeah, don't care for subscriptions just to keep some hardware functionality active. If the functionality requires using internet services (ie The Cloud, etc) then I can understand there is some ongoing costs that justifies a subscription, but there seems to a trend to package functionality that does not have any ongoing costs with internet services. It is somewhat like how cable TV packages work, they offer a couple of the very popular channels exclusively in the top packages to get subscribers to pay more each month just to get those couple of channels.
Lon. I got a question. I got the Pixel 3 a year after release when they halved the price (still using it). Now I am gonna transition to the Pixel 8a cuz they offered it at deep discount. I was wirelessly charging my P 3 until after a year I saw an article warning that the P 3 batteries were being ruined by it!! Do you know if the P 8a has any issues with wireless charging other than the low (7.5 amp ?) charge rate? Props! to you for a great video. regards.. D. [edit to remove alot of white space]
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.
At least a majority of the features do no require a subscription so it can be used without one, however my concern is that at some point in the future they can change their policies so it becomes mandatory.
That wouldn't make sense, as this is also marketed as a playstation accessory. So they already allow you to stream to console. They wouldn't just shut that all down
Love this device and Razer Controller, will I buy one and add subscription maybe pay for the year instead of monthly payment. You forgot to mention what Bluetooth 5.3 for example. Can Backbone connect to Bluetooth handphone? Ohh I just noticed you can connect wired handphone. How long is the screen shot and capture video last to share on twitch? Can this be shared on UA-cam and Facebook social media? Keep up the good work
This led me down a small rabbit hole of wanting to get back into playing retro NES/SNES/Genesis games, which I haven't done since i was a kid. What i'd like to do, and I don't know if it's possible, is use one of these with my android phone (s10e) and retroarch; doesn't seem like a big deal. BUT then i want to be able to pair one of these up with my fire tv stick and continue playing (i'd keep the phone in this just for rigidity/hand spacing). AFAIK this doesn't have BT, so i'd have to find something similar with it. Sure, i could just buy a dedicated 8bitdo controller for the fire tv, but i'd then i'd have 2 different-form controllers to get used to (if may be a non-issue, i don't know) Lon, any ideas?
@@ncohafmutahi i too was in the rabbit hole last year. looked into retro handheld consoles like miyoo mini plus and sorts, would recommend the new anbernic rg35xx plus, if anyone is reading this comment now. xD anywho back to thte point, i too had a spare phone lying around and thought of getting a controller like this one and came about - ninjadog astra one gaming controller. it is a bluetooth controller if you are intrested is very cheap and good. it also goes by bsp d3 controller. so initially i thought of making a standalone comment here, since everyone is commenting on the subscription part of backbone... and wanted to ask LON man to make a review of it cause it maybe widely known. cause i shared it with some SEA online friends and everyone liked it, but was not aware of this product. anywho they released a new version of it this year. (sad i bought the old version like 5months before this release). new model is called ninjadog astra one ultra/bsp d8 controller, and it has hall effect joysticks and cost under like 40 dollars or something by conversion. (range 25-30dollars). sorry the comment is all over the place. tldr: check out a controller called ninjadog astra one ultr/bsp d8 it is BT and has hall effect joysticks for like 30 dollars or so. ty.
@@ncohafmuta lol think my other comment got flagged. is this a good alternate for you brother? it is a bluetooth controller, ninjadog astra one ultra/bsp d8. it also has hall effect joysticks.
The subscription lock is boneheaded. The main one was to use it as a PC gamepad, but honestly you'd be far better off just getting a premium dedicated controller. One-time payment and a better experience is guaranteed.
The only people who say the subscription is optional are those who were grandfathered in and got lifetime free since they were early adopters. They couldve easily just did with razer did by making their controller cost $150 without making you pay for their app, it wouldve been better. If i want a controller without an app, a gamesir g8 is so much better than this and cheaper too.
biggest problem for me is that the port is on the right. on my Samsung galaxy fold 5, the port would need to be on the left otherwise the screen just come out the bottom and that makes no sense. maybe one of these gamepad makers could come up with a system where the port could be on both sides and be adjustable? for the time being, you'd have to get the gamesir x2s or a Bluetooth gamepad if you have a Samsung fold. Watching this, the subscription kills it even more. Who would want to pay for a $100 controler just to have to pay for a subscription service? Useless.
its comical to charge a subscription fee for something all controllers can do out of the box! using it on other platforms, every controller I have can be used on multiple platforms, from ultra cheap controllers to expensive controllers,
The fact that you can’t even access the app home page without a subscription is laughable. I also bought the original one and have been grandfathered into it for free, but I was about to buy another one for someone’s Xmas present but there’s no way they’re gonna subscribe and I feel like the whole product just feels a bit crap and cheap without that homepage so I guess I’ll get them something else 🤷♂️
Wow, had I known there's a subscription crap. I wouldn't of bought one. I definitely do not wanna support companies that do that. Especially for something like this. Total BS
Just received this for my bday. Works great on all my emulation and gamepass games.. glad i dont care for anything that the subscription is charging for.
@@Kyrbiville i only want it for emulators. So you don't have to go with the subscription then, right?
@@caminopreacher5958 correct no need for the subscription crap.. I don't even know what it's for , even after these months
Subscription is a dealbreaker. This was my first choice before, now it's off my list. Thanks for the review!
ffs the subscription is OPTIONAL..
@@Whisper-r Optional sure, but for features I'd want... I flat out do NOT support this bs subscription model businesses try to use. They are like roaches, you see one you crush it otherwise they multiply. Get out of here with your suckling at the corporate teat.
@@Whisper-r theres no reason your hardware that you paid for should be locked because you arent paying a subscription
@@Whisper-r just like how dlc is "optional" until it started being so intrusive that the basic functionality of the game was compromised and games started to be developed around micro transactions. Then you get games like Assassins Creed Oddysey where progression is halted unless you pay for the experience boost. It's a slippery slope.
I want a controller, not another subscription.
Get the gamesir g8 instead, arguably better in every way.
@@smug_slimelet's see.
Yeah putting a subscription that gates features that shouldn't be behind a paywall is just pure greed especially when the controller costs as much as it does!
You don't need a subscription to use it. The subscription gives you in game rewards and game clips. Other than that the subscription is optional. I've been using mines for weeks without it
@@Sclogathere are features that they lock behind the paywall as well. Such as the app itself working like advertised in their screenshots and boxart as well as being able to use the controller on every screen. Yes you can still “use” the controller but ultimately there’s features that are locked.
I'm looking for a controller right now! Thanks sooo much Lon for taking this off the table. I'm considering an 8bitdo 2.4ghz ultimate but I'll look into the gamesir g8 too.
Subscription is a dealbreaker. Unacceptable.
ffs the subscription is OPTIONAL..
@@Whisper-r shouldn't have one ffs
Using a subscription to gatekeep usability is the worst thing I've ever seen. Fuck this.
ffs the subscription is OPTIONAL..
@@Whisper-r yes it's optional. I would understand if it was just the cloud features, but it's not. plugging into the PC should be a default functionality that shouldn't require an app let alone a subscription.
@@Whisper-rshouldn't have one
.ffs
I hope the controller sells very well and makes them lots of money while I also I hope the subscription service sells so poorly it loses them money.
Lost me at “subscription”, even though I’m grandfathered in… Quite a shame! The hardware looks nice.
Yeah I don't get it.. I'd rather see them make more cool products vs. try to squeeze money out of customers by withholding features.
@@LonSeidman Sadly, I feel like you could say the same about a lot of companies these days… I suppose we just have to vote with our wallets!
I recently purchased one when I found out Apple were allowing emulators. I have to say I’m highly satisfied with it. I just ignored the subscription completely and the only thing I ever suppose I might need is the joystick calibration but at least that’s free. I wouldn’t in a million years pay for the subscription, but it is a great product! I highly recommend it if you have $100 to spare!
@@evanwilliams8627 I was going to ask that . I use the delta app & wanted to know if this will work with that app ? If anyone knows also plz & thank u 🙏🏽
@@evanwilliams8627 what emulator do you have
I notice there are 2 part number for backbone usbc black controller I wonder what is the difference
BB-51-P-BR & BB-51-B-BR
Does anyone know if there is any difference?
Now that emulation is available on iOS, the backbone comes in clutch. Won’t need a subscription because it does everything I need it to do. Love this piece of tech
Bought this but it wouldn't detect my Z Fold 3. Planned to return it but my son wanted to try it on his Galaxy Note 9 where it worked fine, so I kept it. The Gamesir G8 Galileo is honestly a better option - and it can extend wide enough to fit an iPad Mini...
Why can’t I play gta 5 with cloud gaming??? Was it removed from cloud gaming??
I was just about to buy one. The subcription service was the nail in the coffin for me RIIIIIP
Am I seeing a delay?
It looked like it had a slight delay when turning with the joystick.
Am I seeing things?
I bought one and returned it as the dpad was terrible.
the backbone app is not working on my iphone struck on loading screen.
(Iphone 14 pro) and backbone playstation edition.
i need a subscription to play? or can i sitll use it without the app?
You can use it without the subscription. I noted the areas that require it in the video.
Hardware that requires a subscription for core functionality is an instant no for me. If for no other reason that when the service inevitably closes in a couple of years, it becomes useless. As consumers, we need to start rejecting things like this outright.
I can't get the scope to come on with the fire button
Hi, can you please tell me how you was able to play nes games on your phone ?
Thank you for the review! I was debating if I should get this but once I heard subscription I was out.
Getting this specifically for my phone, glad it will fit my S22 Ultra. But still not happy about the stand alone controller function being locked behind a subscription paywall. I get the higher framerate capture and cloud storage features, but i agree that locking hardware functions is ridiculous.
does anybody know if we can use our own games or only the playstation/xbox games?
Thank you for the review! For the thicker iPhone cases, especially those with a thick bezel around the camera bump, do you think the tilt would place stress on the usbc port off the phone and/or backbone?
I don't think they should sell that for more than $35 especially if they're asking for a pricey subscription 😕
Check the local pawn shops I got a Razer kishi version 2 for like 35 bucks
Thanks for your very informative video, however I've yet to find a definitive answer to a query I have. I have this exact controller on order, but pp just can't find this info anywhere. Thanks
What's the question? :)
@@LonSeidman Oh, sorry about that 🤣It doesn't matter now anyway as I returned the Backbone for a refund
Cool I'll get it soon
same
Anybody figure out if it can go “full auto” for buttons?
8:20 so far everything is good. Don't care about the extra features. Let's see what else this video tells me about wether I should buy it or not. Side note. Subscription thingy is dumb..
Edit: I'm sold. Thank you for spending your money and time helping us out to make a decision about this product.
2nd EDIT : I should've paid attention to the fact that you mentioned that the feel of the analog sticks are the same as the switch joycons. You hit it right on the money with that statement.
That said. After buying them and trying them. That's the reason why I decided to return this promising product.
Didn't feel like I had any control of the game I was trying to play. Disappointing purchase. But got my money back.
Thanks again for this review.
I'm on my second one. Both had d-pad fail on me. Also both started connecting as headphones and lost audio through my phone
Great review!
Yeah, don't care for subscriptions just to keep some hardware functionality active. If the functionality requires using internet services (ie The Cloud, etc) then I can understand there is some ongoing costs that justifies a subscription, but there seems to a trend to package functionality that does not have any ongoing costs with internet services. It is somewhat like how cable TV packages work, they offer a couple of the very popular channels exclusively in the top packages to get subscribers to pay more each month just to get those couple of channels.
Lon. I got a question. I got the Pixel 3 a year after release when they halved the price (still using it). Now I am gonna transition to the Pixel 8a cuz they offered it at deep discount. I was wirelessly charging my P 3 until after a year I saw an article warning that the P 3 batteries were being ruined by it!!
Do you know if the P 8a has any issues with wireless charging other than the low (7.5 amp ?) charge rate?
Props! to you for a great video. regards..
D.
[edit to remove alot of white space]
Do you have to get a subscription to play games?
Hey lon thank you for reviewing it well. I have a question do you think I can use this playing Albion online? Thank you and more power
How about making a video using a usb-c to lighting connector and vice versa so that you don't need to buy another backbone specific to one port
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'd prefer a Xbox/PS5 controller + a phone stand
Lon, what case is this on your phone? I love it!
On the pixel phone ? That was one Google made for the pixel 4 - really nice one. Their latest ones aren’t as nice
At least a majority of the features do no require a subscription so it can be used without one, however my concern is that at some point in the future they can change their policies so it becomes mandatory.
That wouldn't make sense, as this is also marketed as a playstation accessory. So they already allow you to stream to console. They wouldn't just shut that all down
Love this device and Razer Controller, will I buy one and add subscription maybe pay for the year instead of monthly payment. You forgot to mention what Bluetooth 5.3 for example.
Can Backbone connect to Bluetooth handphone? Ohh I just noticed you can connect wired handphone. How long is the screen shot and capture video last to share on twitch?
Can this be shared on UA-cam and Facebook social media? Keep up the good work
I need something like that for a ipad. Sometimes I use my xbox controller but I'd love to use something that attached to the tablet.
This led me down a small rabbit hole of wanting to get back into playing retro NES/SNES/Genesis games, which I haven't done since i was a kid.
What i'd like to do, and I don't know if it's possible, is use one of these with my android phone (s10e) and retroarch; doesn't seem like a big deal. BUT then i want to be able to pair one of these up with my fire tv stick and continue playing (i'd keep the phone in this just for rigidity/hand spacing). AFAIK this doesn't have BT, so i'd have to find something similar with it. Sure, i could just buy a dedicated 8bitdo controller for the fire tv, but i'd then i'd have 2 different-form controllers to get used to (if may be a non-issue, i don't know)
Lon, any ideas?
8bitdo has a smartphone clip for some of their controllers I would go with that
@@LonSeidman I saw that. I'm not thrilled with the form factor, but it may be the only good solution.
@@ncohafmutahi
i too was in the rabbit hole last year.
looked into retro handheld consoles like miyoo mini plus and sorts, would recommend the new anbernic rg35xx plus, if anyone is reading this comment now. xD
anywho back to thte point, i too had a spare phone lying around and thought of getting a controller like this one and came about - ninjadog astra one gaming controller. it is a bluetooth controller if you are intrested is very cheap and good. it also goes by bsp d3 controller.
so initially i thought of making a standalone comment here, since everyone is commenting on the subscription part of backbone... and wanted to ask LON man to make a review of it cause it maybe widely known. cause i shared it with some SEA online friends and everyone liked it, but was not aware of this product.
anywho they released a new version of it this year. (sad i bought the old version like 5months before this release).
new model is called ninjadog astra one ultra/bsp d8 controller, and it has hall effect joysticks and cost under like 40 dollars or something by conversion. (range 25-30dollars).
sorry the comment is all over the place.
tldr: check out a controller called ninjadog astra one ultr/bsp d8
it is BT and has hall effect joysticks for like 30 dollars or so.
ty.
@@LonSeidman is it possible to review ninjadog astra one ultra/bsp d8 controller
ty.
@@ncohafmuta lol think my other comment got flagged.
is this a good alternate for you brother? it is a bluetooth controller, ninjadog astra one ultra/bsp d8. it also has hall effect joysticks.
Can you play all game pass games on Xbox with this controller?
Yes it should work with all of them.
Returning mine, not the same feeling as console of course
Hardware as a service will become the future if we let it.
The subscription lock is boneheaded. The main one was to use it as a PC gamepad, but honestly you'd be far better off just getting a premium dedicated controller. One-time payment and a better experience is guaranteed.
The only people who say the subscription is optional are those who were grandfathered in and got lifetime free since they were early adopters. They couldve easily just did with razer did by making their controller cost $150 without making you pay for their app, it wouldve been better. If i want a controller without an app, a gamesir g8 is so much better than this and cheaper too.
Got mine for $69.99 from Walmart yesterday
Wow i was sold until the subscription part
It wont fit on my s24 ultra with a case. I really rather not take the case on and off either
Won't even consider it once I heard "subscription"
I would like this for a tablet
biggest problem for me is that the port is on the right. on my Samsung galaxy fold 5, the port would need to be on the left otherwise the screen just come out the bottom and that makes no sense.
maybe one of these gamepad makers could come up with a system where the port could be on both sides and be adjustable?
for the time being, you'd have to get the gamesir x2s or a Bluetooth gamepad if you have a Samsung fold.
Watching this, the subscription kills it even more. Who would want to pay for a $100 controler just to have to pay for a subscription service? Useless.
@@JessicaFEREM Hi, have you bought any gamepad for your fold 5? How was it? I am also looking for a gamepad for a foldable
I love it
A controller manufacturer is trying to implement a subscription model? I sure hope people are smarter than that.
ffs the subscription is OPTIONAL PEOPLE!!
I went with an Xbox controller for less than half the price simply because of the pay wall.
its comical to charge a subscription fee for something all controllers can do out of the box! using it on other platforms, every controller I have can be used on multiple platforms, from ultra cheap controllers to expensive controllers,
The fact that you can’t even access the app home page without a subscription is laughable. I also bought the original one and have been grandfathered into it for free, but I was about to buy another one for someone’s Xmas present but there’s no way they’re gonna subscribe and I feel like the whole product just feels a bit crap and cheap without that homepage so I guess I’ll get them something else 🤷♂️
Subscription and disappointment 🤦😑...
I have one and am able to play warzone mobile and cod mobile with no problem on android phone and tablet with no subscription
WHY TF DO I HAVE TO FLIPPING PAY FOR FLIPPING TABLET SUPPORT
Subscription for a controller is ridiculous in my opinion
What a greedy way to design a product, well, I guess I'm not getting this particular controller.
Subscription to use a controller you already paid for. This thing can burn.
The addition of subscription services just kills it for me. No thanks.
I prefer the PlayStation version backbone controller 🎮
So you have to pay $100 for the privilege of paying for a subscription, what luck.
I'm not buying until subscription is gone
Wow, had I known there's a subscription crap. I wouldn't of bought one. I definitely do not wanna support companies that do that. Especially for something like this. Total BS
this controller sucks get a Gamsir G8
So buy the new gamesir controler, understood
Can I play free Fire? HELP ME PLEASE!! 😢😢😢😢😢😢
"satisfying click" that's definitely not. Annoying as hell
Nope, i was looking at this but im not paying to play my own Playstation with this hunk of crap
Subscription....... Nope no thanks.