PlayStation Backbone One Review: A Portable PS5 (with a catch)

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In this review, I explore the PlayStation Backbone One 2nd Gen Controller for iPhone, a device that transforms your phone into a versatile gaming platform. It's compatible with PS5 remote play, Xbox Game Pass, and more, offering improved comfort and control. The design is sleek and functional, with PlayStation buttons and unique Backbone features. However, the necessity of a subscription for the full app experience and some ergonomic compromises are notable drawbacks. We will discuss all of this in today's review!
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📚 CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:32 Useful iPhone Accessories
1:32 Design
4:13 The Controversial Backbone App
7:36 The Gaming Experience
📱MY FAVOURITE TECH
Apple Studio Display: geni.us/wh5l9
Apple Watch Ultra: geni.us/ZjPVUPA
Apple M2 Pro MacBook Pro: geni.us/9teUrd
Apple M1 Pro MacBook Pro: geni.us/4lpbJlf
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BenQ Screenbar Halo: geni.us/yvTApA
Nanoleaf Shapes (Triangles): geni.us/lAaqA
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📸 THE CAMERA GEAR I FILM WITH
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[@TerrenRule]

What do you guys think of the PlayStation Backbone One Controller?

[@vookie91]

Buttons are crap, sticks are crap, triggers are crap. They make you pay a subscription fee to be able to plug it into your PC as a regular controller.

[@MrDarksidematter]

Backbone is great. iPhones suck though.

[@imaadmalik7336]

thank you for this, was unsure what the app does and whether it was needed, thank you clarifying!

[@robinjarmon1382]

I think it’s great!! Brilliant idea Backbone ppl 💡🥳

[@Pilot1623]

I bought one (lightly) used. Was not sure how much I would use it -but it has proven quite neat when I’m about in different hotels. Would recommend it. With a rumble feature it would be a killer!

[@ruic4921]

rumble feature means vibration？

[@ruic4921]

I'd like to ask a question. Do you think this device's would be better if it switched to a Bluetooth connection? And would you use the 3.5mm headphone jack on it?

[@RadCatFood]

I got mine for $79 and the app is $35 a year now so I feel like it’s worth it

[@user-Youngking476]

Y’all complaining about backbone is 100 dollars but y’all willing to pays 800 or 1000 dollars for ayeno, Lenovo legion go, rog ally etc

[@macgruber7948]

Controller vs standalone device

[@robertvelez5336]

You sound stupid

[@b2bgood870]

That part

[@TchallaUduku]

Who is “Yall”?

[@jjayala]

Those are computers.

[@jay2face]

Good vid and review..i barely use my backbone only reason is that the ps remote play app isnt full screen and that kills me lol

[@REVIEWSONTHERUN]

Thanks for sharing it. ✌️

[@REVIEWSONTHERUN]

#imadeit

[@frmnyDiaz]

How can i get This video games that U show in yor iphone, couse i dont see this games in my App Store. Thaks for yor video.

[@LudakidTV]

Will you review the playstation portal?

[@danishbinbabjan]

If I want to connect it to my PC, must I be subscribed to the service for it to work? Or does it just work without the need of subscription?

[@jakobt15]

The subscription is simply to have a centralized hub to launch all of your games from. It is not required to actually play your games though

[@jwconglomerate332]

I've watched a number of reviews as I've been waffling over wherever or not this would be a good fit for remote play in my household and this is literally the first time I've heard anyone even mention the app, let alone that it has an annual subscription fee. And although it sounds like it's not needed to enjoy the experience, knowing that it actually does a solid job of increasing the ease of use and functions well kind of stings because I know I would prefer to have the app but loathe the idea of paying more than the kind of already steep cost of the unit itself and tethering myself to yet another subscription. I made it all the way to the end of the video but I'm even more torn now. I did enjoy the content though so thanks for that.

[@WargodFilms]

It works without the subscription as well and the first year is free you can cancel anytime. But the buttons was to small for but I loved the interface ones too shop for all your games but ended up with the gamesir g8 which feels closer to and Xbox controller and I love it

[@toddpace4588]

I don't use the app at all. It's just paying a subscription to have a pristine ui.

[@ruic4921]

@@WargodFilmsI'd like to ask a question. Do you think this device's would be better if it switched to a Bluetooth connection? And would you use the 3.5mm headphone jack on it?

[@ralfweerelts8490]

Not sure I understand correctly, but I own a ps5 and Xbox. Can I play both games with one backbone? Or do I need that sub to play Xbox when I buy the PlayStation version of the backbone? Both remote play for Xbox and PlayStation are on my iPhone tho.

[@popstar90jr46]

Yea you can use one backbone for both the difference between the two versions are just designs like the buttons

[@stephenxs8354]

Please get the V2. The v1 has issues.

[@ThatDorkyReviewShow]

Can you use this with game pass without having the yearly subscription fee?

[@TerrenRule]

Yes you can! The Backbone App subscription is just an app that puts all your games in one place. You can PS remote play, play game pass, etc. on their own respective apps separately with the controller

[@iim_human]

I had the first version and playing in my iPhone had tons of latency issues so I returned it, but last year I picked up what I’m thinking is version 2 because I have no latency issues while playing GTA where it would be incredibly noticeable when driving. I love the controller, and at the price point it’s great for me. I only play GTA so no need for a subscription since Netflix has made a few GTA games accessible with your subscription with them.

[@timothyxxxpaul]

Random question. Were you in that mobile monopoly game ad? 😅

[@customer7903]

Many thanks for an easy to watch video. What has put me off now buying the Backbone is the subscription. I did not realise until I saw your video so I will be looking for another device with no subscription etc. Many thanks again

[@andrewwolfe4832]

Can you use it with Netflix games?

[@kamoflawedhawg535]

I don’t have the PlayStation branded one but was able to get the new USB-C version for iPhone 15 Pro Max… I was using a Xbox controller with a phone mount and I must say this is WAY better and far more comfortable!! I was skeptical for a bit because of the ergonomics but you get use to it after a couple days. For a $100 controller I think the subscription should be included tho 🥴 I tried RAZER and Turtle Beach Atom aside from BackBone and this is by far the best feeling mobile controller

[@sammysalgado1475]

Do the analog sticks feel loose or good?

[@ruic4921]

I'd like to ask a question. Do you think this device's would be better if it switched to a Bluetooth connection? And would you use the 3.5mm headphone jack on it?

[@kamoflawedhawg535]

@@sammysalgado1475 they feel good. I added thumb grips and it enhanced the overall feel. I’m gonna give the GameSir Galileo a shot since it’s shape more like an Xbox controller. The reviews on it are good and most BackBone fans agree that it’s better than the BackBone

[@kamoflawedhawg535]

@@ruic4921 I would say it’s definitely better than a Bluetooth connection. Absolutely no latency. I don’t use wired headphones period though

[@nathangibson2114]

Do you have to have a PlayStation on somewhere to use this or can I just have this as a standalone device?

[@TerrenRule]

Great question! You do need a PS5 for remote play to work. Only Xbox Game Pass / Cloud Gaming works with this setup without owning an actual Xbox

[@sammysalgado1475]

Yes Can work as a regular Bluetooth controller

[@stephenroa]

@@TerrenRuleso does that mean I can’t play my PS 5 games outside of my home?

[@alloverdaplace2043]

I feel like this question wasn't answered correctly and I'm still waiting for the answer... Do you actually need the ps5 TURNED on?

[@TerrenRule]

@@alloverdaplace2043 the PlayStation will turn on by itself when you connect via remote play in another location

[@MrScottyk90]

would this work with a fold 4, thinking of getting this instead of the playstation portal

[@MohamedDawoud-yj9nn]

I’m confused too whether to get the portal or the backbone,have u decided which to get and how was ur experience

[@MrScottyk90]

@@MohamedDawoud-yj9nn nope, i borrowed my friends portal and thought it was ok screen wise, had a few connection issues and i'm on a quite a fast internet speed, backbone i couldn't get on with, i have bigger hands and it just felt too small to use the sticks, so atm i've not bought either

[@toddpace4588]

I havent had too much latency issues playing 2k.

[@VLouieV]

Can i play elden ring with this? Or any souls game

[@g33k_Tech]

yeah only need ps5 and steam to do that

[@sergephillips3079]

I just want to know if I need to have a ps5 at the time I have the backbone to play fifa 24 And I made it to the end..because I need to know

[@anthony69355]

You will yes for remote play unless you get their premium subscription for “cloud gaming” & then you wouldn’t need a PS5. I have an Xbox and a subscription for both and have access to all games from both with cloud gaming.

[@wellfedced]

Got one refurbished for $50 and it’s fine for what it is at that price point but wouldn’t spend full price for it.

[@richardcerny1638]

Hi, does anybody know if it is compatible with basic iphone 15 (not pro)?

[@MrSnoozySquid]

Yeah it is

[@epicmobilerepair3337]

since its USB-C can it be used on a samsung?

[@GevatterToth]

Yes iPhone 15 + Android

[@tacticalbusdriver6630]

Can it fit my iPad !!!!!!!!!????

[@DavidBuchanan-wg3nm]

I got mind for 59.00 39.00 a year which is not bad

[@criscarter6066]

I use it on my iPad with no payment

[@cm96yyc]

Is the app subscription included if you have a PS5 plus account? It should be.

[@SeamusFlynn]

Why? Backbone doesn’t get any money from PS Plus.

[@75and1]

Why did you have to photoshop the cover to be misleading? You know what I’m talking about

[@Zedrina2]

Wait can you not play spider man 2 on the backbone??

[@lilCamski]

@@Zedrina2you can but it won't be full screen like the cover

[@maddriftzz3007]

Yeah $100 price tag is ridiculous considering a standard ps5/xbox controller costs less and is built with better quality. Not to mention the first one doesn't support cases and the 2nd gen doesn't work with older iphones using the lightning cable. I also find the subscription price for the app is too pricey considering you still need to download all the apps you use just to launch them in the backbone app.

[@SourStrawberrys]

So second one works with most of the phone market which is Android devices as companies like Samsung as been using type c ports for a long time now. Not everything is mean to cater to iPhone. Just be clad the newer one is compatible. The company did it backwards anyone. They should have offered type c capability first as most phones actually utilize that

[@SourStrawberrys]

Also this thing seem to he on sell occasionally for about $70. And for the only one that is lighting cable only they are selling it for $50 plus a $25 gift card at Costco.

[@bobbymckenzie3202]

Don't buy shiny trash....just get a backbone

[@Nick_Lavigne]

The need to make a larger back (hump) of the controller pads. There are screws so they could easily make replacements. Right now my pinky and ring finger start to hurt as they cant rest correctly. Also as the controllers are short my right hand has a hard time using the analog stick.

[@cbpzack3757]

Made it

[@SeamusFlynn]

Not at all relevant to the content of the video but damn this guy is handsome 😂

[@user-ch7kb7pe5r]

Why not just use remote play application on your cell phone and use your dual sense controller? No need to pay more money, simply use the hardware that you already have.

[@studio_wayward]

50/year (70 in canada i think) is wild. For what? Driver software and a nice frontend? Get out of here with that garbage. I was actually /this close/ to picking one of these up for my PS5, but don't want to encourage this hardware feature subscription paywall nonsense. I'll be looking elsewhere for a company that'll actually sell me the product and not nickel-and-dime me over what hardware i wanna plug it into

[@MrDarksidematter]

iPhones are shit!