I made my iPad Mini into a next-gen games console

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Update: if you don't want the hassle of doing this, there's another controller I'd recommend which fits a phone, iPad Mini or a Nintendo Switch. I cover it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnXdk2mYmNOnoNEsi=iooXT6e_Ck-Nkbrp

[@blacbraun]

I have no idea why Backbone or other similar companies don't make similar controls for iPads or other tablets. Seems a no brainer.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Absolutely. They’d sell a lot of units! Would also help if Sony improve the PlayStation remote app to support higher than 720p.

[@VincentKoo816]

@@ThatMarkGilroy There's a third party app that does that for PS Remote Play - MirrorPlay on the iOS

[@pgunna1221]

It just tell u they don't really know what we want

[@CrackedMB]

It would only work for ipad mini As someone with a regular ipad i would much rather have a regular controller and use the ipad as a monitor

[@techmatt97]

There used to be a company called game vice that did iPad controllers 😊

[@blacbraun]

There is another Backbone method I discovered and I use it to play Pinball Arcade on my 11 inch iPad Pro. This is only for games played in portrait not landscape so it's limited but my pinball is one that fits the bill. Although a tight squeeze you can fit the 11 inch (and of course the mini) in portrait into and under the USB C plug on the back bone. This will stretch the Backbone to the limit but it does work. Then I used a short USB plug to connect the two and voila!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Nice- thanks for sharing!

[@sweedishpie360]

Know what did on my tabs9? Glued some joycon rails on my case. Using mobapad m6s joycons (they are waaaay better than the og joycons with actual joysticks that have hall effects) to stream my pc games and to play games through emulation. They just slide in like butter. Seriously, people are amazed everytime i show em

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Wow. That's some hack!

[@MrDinakdakan]

what is max tablet width with this mod, will an 8.7 inch fit?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I’d be a little cautious about pushing this beyond the iPad mini size (8.3”). It might take 8.7 but you might find the cable can’t quite handle the stress if pulled much further.

[@TWOVrec]

If I want to use it with a phone. Do I have to put back the screws?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Nope, you can just leave them out.

[@TWOVrec]

@@ThatMarkGilroy ok

[@Appdawgz]

I have done all the steps and now the backbone isn’t turning on when connected to iPad mini. Only when connecting external cable

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Sounds like the cable on the left hand side of the controller is loose. Check the ribbon connection.

[@kylemcgowan1]

anyone have any links to any guides for the software setup? any of the 3 ways mentioned?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

What are you having problems with Kyle? Is it the PS5/console side or something else?

[@kylemcgowan1]

@ThatMarkGilroy Just wanting a little bit more detail about each method.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@kylemcgowan1 Methods 1/2 need you to download the PlayStation Remote Play app and follow the instructions on the console to pair your iPad to the console. It works just the same with smartphones too.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@kylemcgowan1 Then pair your controller to your iPad using Bluetooth. It’s the exact same method you’d use to pair it to your console - put it into pairing mode and it’ll show up as a new device in Bluetooth settings.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@kylemcgowan1 Method 3 will require you to have done the remote play setup already. Then download the backbone app and follow all instructions to set it up on your device (phone/tablet).

[@raiwet]

How is it holding up after a month?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yep it’s been fine! Managed to solve my connection issues too. I always put on one side first (the port) and then pull it out over the other side of the ipad. I think this is less likely to put stress on the cable.

[@raiwet]

@@ThatMarkGilroy it’s very interesting that to this day the Backbone App Store page indicates that it supports iPad mini.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

What they mean there is option 1 in this video (plugging in a cable between the two devices). They just need to make one that works like this already!

[@scalystar0]

W vid

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks mate 👍🏻

[@Larimuss]

I dont undersrand why none of these companies dont make one with a long enough back for all tablets. We are entering the streaming era and tablets will rule not phones. In sure pletny of cusotmers will buy it.

[@76williamsbh]

Brilliant! I have been praying to get a stock version of this to work with the iPad Mini, especially if we get an A17 in the next version.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks Brian. 🤞🏼for the A17- that’d easily be able to handle 1080p streamed games so we’ll need to hope Sony upgrade the remote app too. For now though, this works pretty well!

[@TinManLee]

Well done! Can’t wait to give it a try on my iPad mini.

[@brendon_a17]

Is it restricted or can I play apple native games too?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

It's not restricted. The game I'm playing at 5:29 is a native Apple/iOS game.

[@jqweary]

I broke the internal ribbon 😢🤦🏾‍♂️

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

ARGH. Sorry to hear that. This guy seems to have replaced his with a cheap $3 replacement from Amazon kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4vEoWt3gs5maMU

[@2ray2playTV-cb2cl]

Thanks for this mega awesome hack 🥳🙌🏾❤️

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

You're welcome my friend. If you don't feel like doing this there's another great controller which fits both a phone and iPad Mini (AND Nintendo Switch) that I cover on a recent video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnXdk2mYmNOnoNEsi=iooXT6e_Ck-Nkbrp

[@ThienLe-dr4nr]

Over time the ribbon will bend and break from getting under the sliding mechanism and break. Ask me how I know lol

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yeah. Long term a new, longer ribbon is needed. Or for backbone to make an iPad version!

[@johnl4735]

Razer has just released the Kishi Ultra which does work with small tablets. Still think the Backbone mod is a better value tho

[@Motawa88]

all the mini needs is NOT to have 60hz

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Amen to that mate.

[@OxGoofy]

Does this over backbone plus or you still Need to subscribe ?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@OxGoofy When you set up your backbone it’ll look like you need the subscription, but you can just skip/ignore all the prompts- you 100% DO NOT need the backbone subscription for this setup to work.

[@hiepbenh88]

i use gamesir t4 kaleid ( PS mode ) + Moded ipega phone gript ( the 1 for xbox ) work perfect !

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I should check out this gamesir, sir.

[@mingzhu8093]

Hope they make it like this out of the box.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Check out my iPhone accessories vid - there’s a better one that does work out of the box! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnXdk2mYmNOnoNE

[@J.b6291]

I believe that the gen 2 has removable inserts to work with cases. Maybe even the iPad mini

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

At 3:24 you can see it’s JUST not quite enough to fit on the iPad Mini, even with the inserts removed. We’re taking 0.5cm or so.

[@Mezzocrip]

Just get a bsp d9 and get the job done

[@dollar4dollarr]

Has anyone tried this ? I have a keyboard and just use my controller for iPad games but something like this would probably convince me to play it more

[@JAYJAY1787]

A gamesir G8 would make more sense or redmagic model no mods necessary just bend the back a little and pop out to stretch more

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks- I’ll look into those when the new Mini drops.

[@JAYJAY1787]

​@@ThatMarkGilroyKeep me in the loop I will ship over a gamesir I have new to a PO box that you have

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Let me know if you give this mod a try!

[@TylerStevens]

Just did it. It think it’s just too weak for it to be practical. The left side starts to slump immediately and after just a little movement, it’s crooked. Your method DOES work, just not as secure as I would need it for a 6 year old to use safely! Thanks for the video!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@TylerStevens Thanks Tyler. I did wonder about reinforcing the back with some electricians tape or similar...that plastic feels like it wouldn't stand up to much without being supported. I definitely wouldn't let my 6 year old use it in this mode either!

[@terrterr69]

I have done it for myself. Works good but I’m having an issue with the volume buttons and power button on the iPad being pushed any suggestions to help with this

[@jqweary]

@@TylerStevens I tried my iPad mini 6…Backbone rested on the volume buttons 😵‍💫🫤🤷🏾‍♂️

[@sp4rtan7]

Remove 4 tiny screws…. NOPE. So use PS controller with Bluetooth you say…😂

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@sp4rtan7 ???

[@sp4rtan7]

@@ThatMarkGilroyhaha ohhh so when you started to say remove the screws, I knew I’d end up breaking it so just went back to the first and easiest solution.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@sp4rtan7 aaaaah! Fair enough! I did nearly break it whilst making this video!

[@VexedAI]

I would love to see this done with a Scuf Nomad so I can mode mine lol

[@Hamstergeval]

Hmmm wonder if it also works with sideloaded apps or emulators.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Good question. It should do but the buttons might need remapping.

[@MarceIIus]

yes to emulator support

[@shApYT]

Use parsec to use your pc. It is the simplest way. If you want something open source try moonlight and sunshine.

[@nipon101]

Oh sh*t! I NEED THIS!!!!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I hope I made it look as easy as it was to set up!

[@nipon101]

@@ThatMarkGilroy It did :D

[@Ethanbzk]

Why i try on my ipad mini and it doesn’t just no response. But on my iphone it does work, is they update the firmware?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Did you install the backbone software on your iPad mini and first connect with a cable only using option 2 in this video?

[@AdamWellinformed]

Cheeky little upgrade that. Nice find 👍

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Cheers Adam! Hope all’s well? Any plans to upgrade to Highland when it’s out?

[@AdamWellinformed]

@@ThatMarkGilroy its out now! Switching my car at some point this year. Need to get my Disney holiday out the way first and then I will probably look into switching later in the year. Hope all is well with you too 👍

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@AdamWellinformed Nice! I’ve still got another year on my lease so I’ll be a way behind you. Assuming it’s a Tesla….! Who am I kidding of course it will be. 😜

[@spejsnigrutin]

👍

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

🙇

[@fastng]

does the mod still let you connect to phone?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@fastng yep although my iPhone has USB C so it’s just the same connector.

[@themainman00]

Rader recently came out with an iPad mini compatible controller.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Is this the Razer Kishi Ultra? Looks interesting.

[@themainman00]

@@ThatMarkGilroy yes sir.

[@dimitristsolakos7078]

Does it fit also 11 iPad Pro?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Sorry Dimitris. That ribbon isn’t big enough to stretch.

[@dimitristsolakos7078]

@@ThatMarkGilroy thank you very much.

[@ZwaetschgeRaeuber]

You could mod the gamesir x somewhat, as the two sides are connected with springs. Thats what i did with mine and used it often with my tab s8 ultra

[@fridaynight5996]

I 3D printed a joycon holder for my iPad Pro 11 inch. I use moonlight with it and it’s perfect. I got ergonomic joycon controllers too (hiro) making it easier to play for longer times as it’s a bit heavy.

[@andfrancaBR]

@@fridaynight5996that sounds great! Can you share the file so others can print it too?

[@drcold2244]

hey do you know what size screw driver you used?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I used the long 45mm phillips head from this set hototools.com/products/precision-screwdriver-kit-pro

[@GodisGreat.8942]

Can I do one side only? I wore one of the screws them and now I can’t get it out.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Good question….it might work, it only needs a cm or so to get it to fit the mini.

[@masonball2611]

@@ThatMarkGilroyCan confirm you will pull a cable loose if you only do one side… 😢

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@masonball2611 Oh no!! 😟

[@yusufsamodien6414]

What an awesome hack, definitely going to try it out. Which iPad cover are you using in this video? Also which direction to I pull the tabs/ribbons? Do I have to stretch it out?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks Yusuf! I use the Paperlike screen protector and the dbrand Swarm skin on the back/sides. You shouldn’t need to stretch out the ribbons/tabs any more than they are, or disconnect them in any way. Let me know if you run into any issues but if you follow the instructions here exactly it’ll work just fine!

[@gregorybolivar5712]

The a look at GameSir X2s or X2 Pro...Controller Better suited the Ipad mini... 🙃🧐🤓🥸🤯