iPhone as a Gaming Handheld (Review)

Over 50% of the US phone market share comes from the iPhone, but it is rarely seen as a gaming device. In this video, let's look at standalone games, Apple Arcade, and how to use streaming to transform your iPhone into a gaming handheld with some help from the BACKBONE ONE controller.
This is the first of two videos. In the next video, we'll focus on retro game emulation and sideloading your own apps.
Backbone One controller (use this link for $10 Apple gift card with purchase): bit.ly/3yCCzky
My iPhone playlist: • iPhone
Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
03:42 ground rules and BACKBONE ONE unboxing
06:53 standalone games
08:18 Apple Arcade
09:49 PC game streaming
13:23 console (PS4/Xbox) remote play
14:34 Google Stadia
15:27 conclusion and summary
Become a Patron and vote on upcoming video topics: / retrogamecorps
Intro theme song sampled from "Hexadecimal Genome" by Bit Shifter:
bit-shifter.bandcamp.com/albu...
Note that this description may contain affiliate links. By clicking on an affiliate link and buying something, I may earn a small commission of the sale at no extra cost to you.
This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
#Apple #iPhone #BACKBONE

[@Rickatsu]

Dude seriously. Your videos have so much emotion to them that it forces me to buy whatever you review. You like quality for your money and I appreciate that a lot cause I’m the same way in buying electronics. I’ve been on the fence about this plug-in and you have me sold. Thank you!!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Happy to be of service!

[@Rickatsu]

@@RetroGameCorps Got mine in the mail today but wont connect COD Mobile

[@RetroGameCorps]

@@Rickatsu you have to get through the tutorial first before you can use the controller, it's a pain. Same thing will happen with Genshin Impact!

[@Rickatsu]

@@RetroGameCorps it was weird, because I went into practice mode and it didn’t let me but in regular games it works. That was interesting. I am loving this controller so damn much, seriously thank you again

[@idk_sis]

Yoooo just the video I needed. I’ve recently started emulating on my iPhone this is perfect thank you so much

[@fryke]

Was looking forward to this video (well, the next one, really), and am glad it's here now. I think I'd never have given such a controller a chance without seeing it in action here. But I'm waiting for the next video to see how much hassle it'd be to get my games onto my iPhone. Looking forward to it! :)

[@pitruscitrus_104]

the mobile games you listed being "apps with gameplay elements" is a hilarious statement and i couldn't agree more

[@erockem]

Thanks for exploring this for me, this answered a ton for questions in a simple, easy to understand way to enjoy my iPhone even more.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Happy to be of help!

[@asawarai]

The button, triggers and sticks on the Backbone are ultra high quality, feels really good to use. I hadn't ever thought to use AMD Link... Mostly use it with PS Remote Play and Stadia. Gonna try AMD Link later, thanks for the tip! Great video.

[@chrisnichols2896]

Just ordered my Backbone One, can’t wait to get my hands on it!

[@Bigd7775]

Not a mac person in anyway but still a watching the video cause I love your work and enjoy learning. So thanks for the information

[@jacobdad2742]

Man you're not kidding about the visual quality of that basketball game. I thought it was footage of a real game the first time you showed it. That's crazy.

[@Bearrden]

Bought it thanks to your review. Having a lot of fun!

[@ingramli7733]

Many of the gaming contents mentioned in the video, including streaming or Google Stadia, they just won't work without a stable internet connection (long journey). Personally USD100 is a bit too much to justify the relatively narrow purpose (daily use such as travel between workplace and home) it serves, some people may find it useful, though.

[@JohnnyClash_]

Yes! I’ve been waiting for this

[@LildAnakin]

Great video!

[@brz757]

The backbone will work with those paperthin cases. My 12 fits and it actually makes the whole thing feel sturdier. I have had a disconnect if I put any twist or push the controller together but otherwise it seems to work pretty good. The case is pretty much worthless for drop protection now.

[@m3vm3]

Your channel is to the best, thanks for all the information, i had no idea about amd link

[@adamraub74]

Looking forward to the next video. I want to have some of the nes games emulated on my phone, but didn’t have much much with AtlServer.

[@peedee4147]

Excellent video man well done. Thanks

[@MobbG]

I love this device, don’t even use my ps5 or Xbox s anymore. This is better because I can take it anywhere. It feels great in my hands. I play GTA 5 on it, the new Call of Duty, and so much more console games. Also for those who don’t know you can play your console games online.

[@airdan23]

How ?

[@godozillatv8425]

@@airdan23 You have to buy the Xbox Ultimate and they’ll let u play any games you want. Totally worth it!

[@matejamicic3037]

@@godozillatv8425 yea and you also dont need an xbox you can get a subscription from your pc and get the app on your phone

[@iandavidwolfe]

Freaking awesome video man! I have an old iPhone 6s laying around. I will definitely be using it as a dedicated gaming phone!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Awesome!

[@valg.3152]

I have a 6s plus its been in my closet for couple years. Can i still use it at longest i have wifi?

[@ozhanmaker9557]

Great review, we appreciate it.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks for watching!

[@Browncurse]

While I have an s21 plus I have a tab s4 and despite it being weaker I much prefer the tab s4 for retro gaming. Both could be connected to a TV with a desktop interface in dex mode and played that way.

[@Fabrizio7171]

Great video I subscribed

[@XxMagetaxX]

Maravilloso vídeo amigo, gracias por la información, nos serán muy para todos los que tenemos iPhone .

[@vapour_focus]

Looks like the design on this one has been very well thought through 😃

[@isaac05mat]

Just saw your videos and its a been a blast seeing them. Also liked the ps-like front end you have, can you let me know what is it would like to get it for my device as well

[@Cyko..]

I've been gaming on my iPhone for years. I use to jailbreak all the time but thanks to Riley Testut and vast improvements to the iOS software I no longer need to jailbreak. I have RetroArch and Delta sideloaded and everything runs at 60 FPS it seems, even Sega Saturn. In the past I just used my PS4 Dual Shock controller connected via Bluetooth but lately I've been using the 8BitDo SN30 Pro which feels really good in the hands and is easier to carry around with you than the Dual Shock.

[@Cyko..]

@@voteDC I usually try to remember to refresh once if not twice a week, The DS emulator included in Delta is fantastic especially since it utilizes the touch screen.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Agreed, the new DS emulator is a big value added to Delta!

[@fabiobezerra9569]

Great video!.. I've made myself i similar set-up with an old Moto G6 + Saitake 7007X controller and i have to say it worked flawlessly.. 😁 I played many retro games but in de end i mostly played COD mobile... It was amazing! I have recently bought a PS VITA for retro gaming but still struggling with jailbreak and set ups. Using an old fone is from my point of view strongly recommendable, maybe the easiest and cheapest way of gaming. Thank you very much for all your great work and I wish you a lot of success. ✌️😁

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks Fabio!

[@afox4254]

Come to think of it emulating retro games on my phone is probably where my fascination with handheld emulators started...

[@elleCX01]

Plus points for the "apps with gameplay elements" comment 😂 Used to play PS1 RPGs on my phone before I got into retro handhelds. If I wanted physical controls, I just put my phone on a stand and plugged in a generic wired usb controller via usb OTG(those ps2 clone controllers)

[@amangaming5760]

I have the backbone for iPhone and although I don't game on the iPhone because I feel it overheats, I do like to play through steam link, xbox remote play and ubisoft connect remote play beta. It works great for local game streaming, if you have slow internet. Albeit, you need a pc or console with games installed on them.

[@mr.skeltal8687]

My man with the LG V20! Still rocking it as a media player

[@RGGeek]

FYI, my favorite Apple Arcade game is ‎Taiko no Tatsujin Pop Tap Beat. It's a port of a Japanese arcade game that was played with actual drums!!

[@thenintendogamer1542]

For people who dont know, many of Segas older games ie genesis and sometimes a few select others are available for FREE with supported ads or you can remove the ads for like 3$

[@mrttype]

Good vid

[@TheTyjah]

I am really enjoying streaming my steam games to my ipad pro. I own a Steam Deck so I am able to stream from that wherever I go. It also allows me to not have to get apple arcade or buy games on multiple stores.

[@lIIuminatl]

I’m sold.

[@fabiofabiobio]

Considering how people upgrade to newer iPhone models despite the older model still being a perfectly good device, I feel like it's not a bad idea to keep an older iPhone and jailbreak it to make a dedicated gaming device. Looking forward to part 2 of this video!

[@kinglou0]

Except with Apple devices, you have to almost make a concerted effort to prevent iOS upgrades. It’s probably the best and worst feature of iOS. Nearly automatic and supporting years & years of previous models unlike Android but also updates that screw over people like the recent JiT “fix” Apple rolled out.

[@Btprime99]

Makes me wonder if my Iphone 4s is even worth gaming/emulating on 🤔

[@albertosaldivar2934]

@@Btprime99 no lol

[@paolobrossi78]

I use my old iPhones as security cameras 😂

[@im2alias202]

I literally just bought the 13 of my 10s max finally tripping out on me 😩 it was going strong really didn’t need a new iPhone fr

[@magentamage4901]

A few weeks back you reviewed the GameSir X2. The Bluetooth version of that works great on my iPhone and doesn't require you to take the case off. I know you mentioned in your review that you had a lot of input lag, but it's possible you got a lemon. Mine doesn't seem to have any lag to speak of and someone else in the comments of that video review mentioned theirs didn't either. The Backbone looks great but I just don't want to have to take my case off every time.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Hi, after reading this comment I decided to try the GameSir X2 Bluetooth again. I first updated its firmware (via the iOS app), then connected it to my iPhone. Same lag issue. You might be right, I possibly have a lemon.

[@asawarai]

@@RetroGameCorps I have the GameSir X2 Bluetooth and the Backbone One also, compared to the Backbone the Gamesir has a ton of lag.

[@dbozgt]

Hi Retro Game Corp. Im using Iphone XR I hope I can upgraode to Iphone 13 when it comes out. Great review bro.

[@jteneb]

Thanks for the video. Very informative video. I have a question. When you said no input lag, are you comparing with Bluetooth controllers? Because I was just playing matroid fusion on my iPhone on Eclispe, using a ps4 controller and I felt a little bit of input lag. Is that what you meant? Would it be solved with a controller like that one you’re showing?

[@FrazerMax]

Great video! I’m having issues with the amd link app, getting video but no audio at all, no matter how much I play about with the settings. Anyone had this problem and know how to resolve it?

[@bruddalarry]

Love this video since I’ve had a Backbone for a while and use it with my phone for streaming and Apple Arcade. But… I’m really puzzled why you didn’t mention the Backbone app at all. There is a dedicated button for it on the controller that allows you to call it up and in it you can capture gameplay footage, join groups of other players, and, my favorite, launch games from it. It’s this last feature that really makes the Backbone feel like a console in its own right and it’s what has really transformed my phone to feel like a totally new experience. I think you missed out on mentioning this, major game changer!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Hey Larry, all good points. I didn't mention it because I was trying to find a balance between reviewing the iPhone as a gaming device itself, and highlighting the Backbone. Personally I haven't really found a use for the app in my use, I just made a page of all my games and I prefer to access everything that way. But I can see how people would appreciate it! I would rather have that button function as a hotkey or something else :)

[@pipikakachu]

I have an iPhone 12 Pro Max and I love the performance and graphics of most games. GameCube/wii work perfectly but I prefer Android for emulation. The Rog 5 is a beast at emulating the Switch ( it can run Resident Evil 5/6 at full speed!!!!) phones are more powerful than we give them credit for.

[@redscorpion9325]

Have you tested the Backbone App thats one of it’s best feature

[@a14nrdz69]

Hi Russ, I have a problem with my right stick where it does not want to register inputs inside the game, I feel as tho the problem is hardware side, do you have any idea how to fix this? (By the way it still clicks in)

[@thenintendogamer1542]

I have an iphone X so maybe ill try this!

[@Felix-bn1sd]

PLEASE CAN DO A VIDEO on how to setup the ppssspp emulator on an iPhone with and link. ALL the details including how to get it on a computer.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@afox4254]

I used to play pokemon red on my phone allot on a shady gameboy emulator the neat thing about that particular game was that i culd play it on the touchscreen with no issues. I spent allot of my shool breaks this way

[@mcjaybles]

Shadow PC is also a game changer. It’s a full windows desktop in the cloud for $30/month so you can run PC games and any emulators. (Compared to $400-1000 for x86 device). Great way to revive an old iPhone or laptop.

[@Alex-oy6wb]

Why are there borders when using remote play or xcloud?

[@juanalanis5526]

Are the left and right analog sticks push buttons to ? Like bush to run ?

[@steel5897]

I slowed down the SMW footage frame by frame and jesus that's a whole lot of lag.

[@derekswitzer9624]

this is awesome!! Is there an option for playing Xbox GamePass games if you don't have an Xbox? (like if you have it on your PC)

[@captainthunderbolt7541]

They remind you of the PS4's analogue sticks??! They are literally identical to the Nintendo Switch Joycon analogue sticks, to the extent that I was able to pop off the thumb grips from my Switch Lite, and use them on the Backbone without a hitch.

[@detonator000]

What are the streaming options when using a mac instead of PC?

[@gameNLHD]

stadia geforce now and xcloud (im not sure about xcloud but its browser based so)also antstream arcade for some classic arcade games and apple arcade for mac is also an option 2 of these are free stadia and antstream arcade is free (antstream is in beta so its only free for that period)

[@grahamj1012]

Do I have to have an xbox console to play these xbox games on my iPhone/backbone or do I just need to purchase the xbox game pass ultimate?

[@xx801cloudxx]

Hey Russ! Any plans on checking our the GKD MINI? Or have you already? I didn't see anything haha 😅

[@RetroGameCorps]

Hi Chase, that's going to be my next video :)

[@michaelcstachiw]

If you’re using the iPhone for making videos how are you recording yourself playing the iPhone? 🤔 I’ve had my eye on this for a while. Thanks for the video.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Used my wife’s phone 😎

[@michaelcstachiw]

@@RetroGameCorps need a 2nd backbone for couch coop.

[@LolaliciousSmiley]

Hello, When will you be covering Windows phone emulation and gaming? I'm excited to be able to do something on my phone besides grandma calls and internet explorer. Sincerely, Optimistic Nonbilly from 10 years ago

[@RetroGameCorps]

Just as soon as I get a Windows phone (and a time machine).

[@MrRedskin0007]

Is PS Now my best option to play Metal Gear Solid 4 on my iPhone 12 Pro using a Backbone One?

[@superpolice8185]

Hi thanks again for this video so I have ios 15.4 on iPhone 12 and I’m playing on (massive Warfare aftermate)an tanks game play app I need to know if backbone can work with my favori game. Merci beaucoup.

[@socalrcguy1]

Can i play kraino origins with the backbone ? because touch screen gaming is kinda hard

[@railerswim]

There is AltStore as well to assist with side loading.

[@pickleeggs3340]

does it work with windows and itunes or do i need a mac.just asking cause im getn a ipad pro in a week or so

[@railerswim]

@@pickleeggs3340 yes AltStore works with Windows.

[@matejamicic3037]

@@pickleeggs3340 it works with both windows and mac tho they have different methods of installation so you'll have to find a tutorial specifically for windows if you are on windows

[@HonjyouKamatari5]

I have psp on my iOS with out steaming from the computer

[@Games-tt9hu]

Just another small nickpick as an Android user: iOS actually wins in gaming because there are more games coming out there, Android wins way more though when it comes to emulation as you know.

[@portcityengineering]

Android wins with all the free music capabilities though. I hate using KZbin for music but I’m an iPhone user LOL

[@Magicvpntorrents]

heard from anyone if there have been changes since the 13 came out or the most recent version of ios?

[@trobadorloco]

bro! that super nintendo looking one! where did you get t? does it run emulators? what is the deal?!

[@tyshawnthomas6269]

Are you able to use the ps remote without Wi-Fi?

[@KevyGLevy]

I don't have an iPhone. But this video was worth watching for "broken horse" alone.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Haha, glad I could find some way to entertain you, Kevin :)

[@glentaker]

hi for AMD link, do you have to own AMD graphics card on PC in order to use?

[@matejamicic3037]

idk but if you have nvidia then use moonlight

[@Bmanritchie]

Weird... My iPhone 6S' App Store shows me the 'AMD Link' app, I've made MULTIPLE attempts to download, no app on my Home Screen. HMM

[@90sGasPrices]

OMG, YOUR DOG IS LIKE MY DOG!!!!!

[@keaphillips8261]

Why was the vita not the backbone w a screen

[@Carrandas]

Would love one on my android phone. But I get it, easier to test it on iPhone than the thousands of different android phones.

[@RetroGameCorps]

I’ve already done Android phone videos, as well as telescopic controller reviews; just scroll back a bit in the timeline.

[@CyborgNS6NL]

Does this controller support Contra Returns iOS?

[@celozzip]

bought a rg351p finally. used it a few days and gone back to my tablet. since I'm playing jrpgs I don't even need a controller but I wanna find a good one for other games. just seen enough about how bad the ipegas are so I dunno where to go now.

[@Valeria-fy1vh]

Razer Kishi has worked well for me on both iOS and Android.

[@malystxy5601]

Ps4 controller of it has Android 9 or 10

[@game.designer]

Do you have recommendation as alternative of backbone one for android?

[@vapour_focus]

I myself tried sourcing one without luck, Bluetooth controllers have lag, Razer Kishi isn't a sturdy design and requires Bluetooth for headphones. Gamesir X2 or X3 doesn't pass audio either through USB-C (if your phone has 3.5mm jack you could use L-adapter for wired headphones to eliminate audio lag for headphones) and have pass through charging limited only to certain phones. Backbone One for Android starts shipping in November 2022 if you don't mind waiting.

[@rogelio5132]

Is FIFA 22 from the PS4 version available on this?

[@brandonguindon1056]

Please tell me you can change the screen size?(picture size) I know you're doing mostly retro gaming but these days you can emulate games in 16:9 Also do you have a tutorial like this but for the Android version?

[@bayfinest1938]

Easy

[@iGotSub]

Do you prefer AMD Link or NVIDIA game streaming for retro gaming?

[@matejamicic3037]

they are both the same

[@VuNguyen-sx4lt]

Does Backbone have an iOS software to map buttons for apps that don’t support controller natively ?

[@RetroGameCorps]

Hi, I didn't mess with the app itself much, but from what I remember it doesn't have a mapping function.

[@EmuNext]

iPad mini 6 needs a backbone.

[@Fukkatsu]

Modern Smartphones are really powerful. Honestly wish game devs would utilize it more instead of flooding the marketplace with match 3 games and games made just to serve you ads. They always outrank the really good mobile games so if you're just browsing you have to scroll past a bunch of them to find the good stuff.

[@Fukkatsu]

@@voteDC yeah I know.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Finding gems in the app stores has been quite a pain, especially on the iOS side. Luckily Apple has been making lists of games that are compatible with controllers, which helps to find solid options!

[@Alex-oy6wb]

@@RetroGameCorps there is an app in App Store that list all controller compatible games and even notifies you of drop in prices

[@stevengarganis8421]

you should try out the razer kishi ios version, i have been using it now for over a week on my iphone 12 pro max and just like you it has been the best gaming investment ever, ive been using it every day over my 10 other handhelds i have

[@RetroGameCorps]

Does it have the same design as the Android Kishi? I have that and really don't like the feel of it -- it's just so wide and bulky.

[@bruddalarry]

I bought the Kishi and the Backbone at the same time to compare, and found I liked the Backbone more. But the biggest thing that elevated it over the Kishi for me was the Backbone app, major game changer.

[@eliasvargas3422]

Ok so I’m confused ! Do I need to be on the same wifi to play Xbox games ? Or can I be at Starbucks and be playing an Xbox game ? Do I have to be on the same wifi to play anything ?

[@terrencehill7309]

I just got a backbone love you can play Xbox cloud gaming

[@joandarc441]

IPhone 4s for emulation???

[@persechini]

If there was a version with type C connector I would've already bought one, there is no reason not to release it, but they went the apple-only route, a pitty

[@matejamicic3037]

they are making an android version in november

[@kinglou0]

Looking forward to the next video. I’ve gone pretty deep into the rabbit hole of trying to emulate games on my 12 Pro. Altserver is so flaky, Retroarch is missing a ton of cores if you use the official ipa and it’s performance is disappointing on what is the best mobile phone processor currently available. Streaming works but not practical when you’re on the go.

[@idk_sis]

Have you tried eclipse? It’s a web based emulator but you can always save it to your home screen to look like an app. And you can use Google drive with it. It runs gb, gbc, gba and I think nes? Not too sure but it’s what I’ve been using and it works great

[@kinglou0]

@@voteDC Sure. Flaky as in Altserver refuses to allow me to sync via WiFI. Doesn’t matter what computer I use or tweaks I make to my internal network. Altstore is fine and it is why I called out Altserver specifically. Since a very small percentage of people are jailbroken or have a low enough iOS installed to allow a jailbreak, it’s worth mentioning my problems with Altserver. They’re not unique.

[@marzv888]

Bought this and the backbone will not let me put my phone number and verify it. Very frustrating! Iphone 14 Pro

[@Xanduur]

Isn’t there a Backbone for Android phones?

[@FedJimSmith]

Please Backbone come to Android on specifically big phone like Note Ultra, or Nubia Red Magic 6

[@matejamicic3037]

they should make a developer version of ios that allows you to sideload ipas that you pay for they would be rolling in money

[@Porschession]

Does it fit an iPhone 12 Pro Max?

[@RetroGameCorps]

Yes!

[@sempakboy9005]

He sir what's the controller name

[@matejamicic3037]

backbone one

[@Hoowwwww]

it's better to use Android, so you can have the emulators for N64, PS1 even the PS2, Gamecube etc etc Best budget phone for this is the PICO X3 Pro it got a snapdragon 860 for $200

[@retrochill6527]

Why use any phone at all? An old 5 yer old pc can emulate just bout everything.

[@Hoowwwww]

@@retrochill6527 PCs are not portable

[@retrochill6527]

@@Hoowwwww ahhh ..I guess it makes sense. Not into portable too much except a little switch, even that I keep docked.

[@iUseAndroid2024]

The Razer Kishi is basically the same thing

[@RGGeek]

Pretty much everyone agrees that the Backbone One is better though. The Razer Kishi is still great though (and cheaper)!

[@ashishdhingra8034]

Does this controller work with genshin impact?

[@SamuelProcopio]

Hi, thanks for your video, can I play Pokemon Unite with it? Thanks

[@stereode1uxe]

I agree, the backbone is a game changer. Now given the chance to play a game on vita or iPhone, I choose iPhone due to backbone and overall better graphics and performance.