Would you game this way? Backbone review - xCloud, Mobile Gaming, Genshin Impact, COD and more

Backbone Review! I put the Backbone through its paces with iOS games, xCloud, Steam Link, Xbox and Playstation Remote play! The Backbone has a lot of excellent features...
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📕 Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:07 Design and Ergonomics
5:48 Backbone App
7:03 More hardware and app discussion
10:47 Cons to the hardware
12:03 xCloud Streaming Service
15:59 Other streaming options
16:15 Xbox Remote Play
17:18 Playstation Remote Play
19:02 Steam Link
20:37 Native iOS Games
23:13 Apple Arcade
24:30 Alternatives
25:46 Razor Kishi
27:03 Final Question & Thoughts
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#iphone #mobilegaming #iphonegaming

[@markphillips1439]

Ive never been much of a gamer, but very much enjoyed it as a kid. Some Call of Duty or Halo has so much nostalgia that I have a desire to enjoy games like I did back then. As an adult and father, I dont have the time or commitment to fire up a console (I have a dusty Xbox One X) and play for long stretches. This means that even with access to games Id prefer to play I am somewhat forced to be much more casual and stick to mobile. I just got the Backbone and have been trying it out with GamePass Ultimate, remote play, COD Mobile, etc. This is the bridge I needed to play the games I love at a much more casual level. Perfect device for me and anyone who identifies with this comment!

[@adixar]

Yup, consoles aren't practical.

[@VILLARDX3749]

Shut up

[@henrylauer5402]

Sold

[@jjayala]

Father of 6 and I work crazy hours. I own a razer kishi controller for my galaxy and have a tablet and cloud game whenever I can.

[@Chilton3D]

Same boat but without kids and I’m seriously thinking about this!

[@JBlaze8814]

Easily the best review on KZbin for this product. Thanks!

[@obxboy1073]

Tefty, your videos are so damn pleasant to watch! Editing, music, hosting…just great. I got a Backbone for my 11Pro Max about two weeks ago. I find it to be a great choice for mobile gaming. The hiccups are with processing power of the phone and your Wifi connection. Destiny 2 demands a strong Wifi connection. Gaming works the iPhone battery pretty hard and the back of the phone gets hot quick. I plan to upgrade to the next iPhone in the fall. Hopefully, it runs cooler & faster with the Backbone. Again, a robust Wifi connection is key.

[@TeftyTeft]

Thank you OBX! I forgot to mention the heat on the phone during gaming sessions 👀

[@skuudigital9346]

I love it! Been mobile gaming for 2 years BUT there is a huge health con and it’s been happening with those who play CLAW style. RSI, Carpel Tunnel, sever hand cramps and finger locking - I started getting it and stopped playing for a couple of years. Just today, I purchased the Backbone cos it was available in my country (New Zealand) and am waiting on it’s arrival. I think this will fix those health issues for mobile gamers in a big way.

[@martindecamp4915]

how has it helped so far as taking strain off of your hand since you got the backbone?

[@82ndReaper]

Awesome review Teft! I completely agree, I snagged one of them recently and really enjoy having it too! The case issue is annoying but is passable

[@TeftyTeft]

Thank you! Yeah it’s a cool device. Has a lot of future potential with phones getting better and better.

[@mobn4yah523]

great review very helpful for me considering backbone thanks!!

[@neshyd]

Awesome review! Quality content as always. I've been considering this for Game Pass !

[@pistopit7142]

There are many reviews of backboneone but yours is the best I've seen. Thanks for this video.

[@Dreggy990]

I someone who grew up with the game and as a youngest brother mainly played it because the tv was usually taken the fact that I can play anything on the couch or in bed with out having to go to the tv room is amazing

[@michaelspurling6985]

Great video. You really went into detail. It's mid 2023 and android is now supported. I just ordered the PS edition for Android. And absolutely can't wait. I got a family of 5 at home so I can see me getting a lot of use out off this because the TV is always being used by someone. I am curious how it will hold up while away from home. And as far as the case goes I have something attached to the back of my phone case. So it would have to come off already. Really excited hopefully it comes in the mail this week

[@rydiggitydog]

Love this product . The case situation is what it is. Pretty hard for a company to plan for tevery case and phone size . Coming here fro DCP!!

[@JC-nw2fu]

Great video Tefty! Been looking forward to seeing this since you mentioned it on DCP 👍

[@TeftyTeft]

Thanks for watching! And thx for the support on DCP ❤❤❤

[@Miasmummy2497]

I LOVE mobile gaming. I’m A minimalist at heart and I’m just very anti bulk, anti ten machines that all do the same things… now. It’s a new thing though because I got collecting a lot of gadgets and now I’m feeling like I want my $1200 iPhone to be like a go-go gadget everything including my gaming needs. I also love puzzle games a lot and I think something like this will help to make the usability more tactile for that. Great video!

[@kanonaccount4751]

This is the best video about the backbone controller for iOS that I have never seen on KZbin. Thank you for your video. I have the same issue with the xbox xcloud, I have some lags, issue and bugs and I have a really good connection (1GB download and a bit less for uploading).

[@knello15]

Do you by chance have your console hard wired to your router? And have you upgraded you cat cables to cat 7 or 8? I noticed the same for my ps4 but am looking to do this setup soon. I wondered if anyone went through these measures to get the best connection possible but was still experiencing lag.

[@garybartlett3028]

Bought the Kishi and as much as I'll be taking it off and putting it on I lost faith very quickly, the backbone and the Kishi have great software but the backbone is just built different. I really do love it!

[@sinnyharvest2957]

Just ordered mine. I’m super excited to try it

[@themanwithnoname9881]

My favorite review of this product wish I would’ve used your affiliate link before purchasing 🔥

[@OGBD]

Great review... Every aspect finally covered

[@davidziemer5496]

Great video. One thing I noticed - when I was on vacation across the country I WAS able to play my PS5 remotely on a different wifi network. My console was ethernet wired to the router at home. heavily dependent on WiFi speed of course but it did indeed work

[@alemeliamorgaming1665]

So I CAN play this without my ps4 being present?? My PS4 doesn’t work anymore so that’s why I thought about buying this so I wasn’t waste my PS4 plus subscription.

[@davidziemer5496]

@@alemeliamorgaming1665 I can’t speak on if remotely turning on/streaming works with PS4 as well, can only confirm PS5.

[@kevinmach730]

@@davidziemer5496 It does work on ps4 with Remote Play and app, it's super easy to setup. It is heavily dependent on internet connection as you say, and also probably depends on the game when it comes to how playable it is at slower speed. It works surprisingly well over all.

[@santhony018]

Great video thank you for your input!

[@ramooninthemoon]

Such a brilliantly produced video. If you dedicated more time to put out tech videos it would me a preference channel

[@LAAL31]

Good opinion piece!! After watch the video I think I’m gonna have to buy it now

[@robertvillalobos1137]

I love using my backbone honestly. I use the screen and the controller simultaneously in apex legends and it’s help me get to another level, and im able to improve more than i was without it. it give it a grip that makes it easy to hold, and once you get used to using it, you won’t want to play a full screen mobile game without it. I would recommend to any gamer that wants to take his game to the next level

[@CalebTheOwlBoy]

Thanks to you, I'm definitely buying one this year lols

[@Bizdevguy]

I agree, mobile gaming innovation is crazy! I have some ideas about I’d love to connect on.

[@miguelhernandez7845]

im about to go on a long vacation and love D2 and was amazed that im going to be able to play from a different state.

[@DGJunkie1]

I've had the Kishi for about a year now and really like it. The no headphone port wasn't really an issue since I use bluetooth headphones anyways. I've never noticed it being uncomfortable to use but I'm not spending hours at a time playing either. I like that it folds up for easier carrying either in a jacket pocket or the front pocket of a backpack. My only complaint is that you have to remove your case but even that only takes a few seconds to take off and put back on. Overall I'm happy with it.

[@TeftyTeft]

Thanks for the info! I forgot to mention the lack of pocket-ability on the Backbone. 🍻

[@-Wizard03-]

You can use the Kishi to plug and play CoD Mobile?

[@Gamevice]

try the Gamevice Flex which supports cases and has all those other features

[@Skrenja]

It isn't that hard to scrape off the backbone's adhesive pads to fit a case.

[@blueeyedtech1234]

I would love to see a comparison between the Backbone and the Kishi. I am debating between the two because the backbone is pretty awesome but the Kishi does what I need it to do at a cheaper price.

[@trent210]

I got the Kishi recently, and I think it depends on your use case. I travel a lot and need something I can throw in my pocket or backpack. Kishi is light enough and small enough to do that. If it opens up in either of those spots, the “extenders” for lack of a better word, are flexible and won’t break when bent. I like the Kishi.

[@Experimental_Gameplay]

Loving all the reviews recently!

[@TeftyTeft]

Thank you Logan! 🙏❤

[@Experimental_Gameplay]

@@TeftyTeft as someone with a pc, Series X, PS5, and Switch I will say that I have been very intrigued with the recent advancements in mobile gaming. I’ve spent a little bit of time streaming my Xbox games to my iPhone and it surprised me at just how well the whole system works. Definitely excited to see how things continue to advance and become more powerful.

[@NegativSpace-pd6cz]

Really loving mine. I just stream my PC games through it with moonlight, works flawlessly with practically zero input lag. Although I would love one with a slightly larger joystick, and the "clicky" face buttons can be a little annoying at times.

[@HaasHero]

very good review, thank you

[@gabrielpagan5713]

Great video, have you noticed any major software/hardware updates since this video that enhanced your experience with it?

[@torridice]

Ahhh. So you were actually making this video! 😂 awesome stuff. I’m seriously considering getting this thing.

[@marcuslunsford3]

Mobile gaming has come so far. I remember playing Simcity back in the beginning of Mobile gaming. It was so slow. It's come a long way. I'm excited for the future.

[@carloscantoran209]

I like your review it was well done. Does the Kishi have analog trigger buttons? Can you do review on comparing both?

[@sinnyharvest2957]

Great video btw, very informative.

[@alyssaw.8361]

Great review! Thank you for making this. Question: if I am using remote play through Xbox can I do an Xbox party chat? I tried earlier and I could hear them but my mic wasn’t picking anything up on my end. I was using regular headphones with mic (you can take calls with). (:

[@Smalltummywonderful]

I've had mine for almost a whole month and overall I am very pleased with it. I also believe that it is fairly to very comfortable

[@amj6644]

Can also use the lightning to connect to iPad or a screen so long as you can access cloud gaming server on that device you can use the Backbone to connect to it through the lightning port and use the controller

[@kirika119]

I was hesitant about getting this because it’s 100 dollars but after this view it actually seems to be worth the 100 and it’s not cheapy

[@asmadali-]

Nice review. Informed by decision.

[@marc8750]

I used to play more mobile gaming between my phone and Switch. But since working from home, I rarely do. One of the things that annoyed me about mobile games was the lack of controller support at launch. Genshin didn’t have it so I went to PS4, which they didn’t have cross save, and never cared about it again. Makes me wanna retry xCloud now since I have 5G Plus, I like these videos. Curious what mobile gaming will be like with the Steam Deck out in the wild

[@TeftyTeft]

Yeah I’m very excited about Steam Deck. Although I’ll treat more as switch competition since it’s dedicated gaming box. Hopefully xCloud gets better and better.

[@JohnCivor]

hey im gonna say that genshin have controller support on IOS but not on Androind and genshin drop the 2.0 update with crosssave funtion on PC/Mobile to PS4/PS5 ... just saying.

[@jcartano87]

Do a Razer Kishi V2 comparison please! I enjoyed your review on the Backbone. Thank you again!

[@francescoaiello5939]

there is a setting on your PlayStation that you can set to leave your console always connected to the internet even in rest mode, and you can play your remote play while the console is in rest mode, anywhere.

[@maxpower740]

I was very surprised that he wasn’t aware of that.

[@stellerate]

I've only ever used the Kishi, however if you do a comparison video, make sure to add in customer support, razer told me not to charge the device while in use even though it advertises that on the box... my thumb stick started peeling and they said it was customer induced so they wouldn't repair it. then when it drifted, and the ribbon cable broke so I ask if I could pay for them to repair it and they told me they don't make repairs for their controllers.... now I just have an $80 paper weight. and my DualShock 4 surprisingly gets less input delay than the Kishi got! (With repair options)

[@joelcastillo7823]

Ive been racking up hours on this thing since I got it a couple days ago....It's hands down the best controller for an iphone!

[@mark_gearhart]

I just bought mine today and I'm pretty excited for it! Mostly gonna use it to satiate my need for the steam deck if I'm being real honest.

[@ryan.a7]

same lmao just to pass the time until it finally comes out

[@Coorz]

can you use steam link with the back bone?

[@ryan.a7]

@@Coorz yeah

[@loydwilliams2899]

How is it?

[@mark_gearhart]

@@loydwilliams2899 Now that I'm about two months with it, it is definitely holding up. I don't use it very heavily though, so that could be why it's still in such good shape. Also I take good care of it (leave it in the box when not in use, carefully wrap it around my phone, etc). But overall I'm very happy with it. Oh and the lightning port on the backbone is such a lifesaver.

[@patfarmer9193]

Dude I just bought this. It’s just like my switch except I get to play Xbox games and don’t even have a console. Graphics are great, it’s easy as crap to use. This thing is amazing and I suggest it to anyone.

[@juicedoutterr1980]

Got one a few days ago I think it’s pretty good for the price definitely for my use remote play works better with Ethernet cable if u want a better connection and also if u got ps5 just put it in rest mode if u want to turn the console on and off

[@leannemitchell4601]

I can't wait to get back bone and see how it works because than I can play games at work and not be bored so much lol.

[@Lv-kq8kh]

My iPhone 11 backbone is literally my only console and it works pretty good and I can hook it up 2 my tv and play it on there if I want

[@bonehead1st]

I used a Kishi for awhile and it worked great I have a backbone but I haven’t used it yet as it just arrived today

[@joseumanajr4254]

I love this product, I use it on Gamepass, COD, Diablo, and Emulators. Is the perfect iPhone controller

[@tomesjt7642]

@Tefty how is it a year later? Any updates worth mentioning and experiences that have changed your opinions of the Backbone?

[@petecoventry6858]

I have a private 1Gbps connection and Geforce Now said my link was spotty so I dumped it for cloud gaming - never had a problem. I also like the way the console is on in like 5 seconds after you hit the power button

[@hansyali_]

Great over detailed review good sir

[@efrenguzman1602]

Yes I’m interested in mobile gaming and I wish they would put like the old game boy games on the Apple Store or Google store like the old ones I think that will be pretty cool

[@benschwartz7739]

Good review. Wish I had bought this instead of the Kishi

[@gamingjamie4941]

To play your steam games do you have to have your pc on whilst playing, or can you play it anywhere like in a hotel?

[@martingutierrez6693]

Best controller I ever used for mobile gaming. Perfect for emulators too. I used this on a galaxy note 20 ultra 5g

[@JMAX79]

Best review I’ve seen

[@MorphineDrip]

I just bought the backbone ps5 version and man it’s a game changer. I use it at home and at traffic lights.

[@Torrico97]

Tbh every since i tried g-force now using my phone i’ve been spending more time playing cloud games and ps remote play on my phone more than using my console or playing any mobile games. I used to be really big with mobile games and console games but idk every since i tried g-force now i feel like i lost interest in playing on my console or any mobile games cause i am able to play console games and pc games using my phone specially when G-force now has no latency issues which is mind blowing and you can go ultra graphics etc its just crazy

[@MobileDecay]

I have an Android phone and i'm watching this looking forward to the release of the Android version and to see how things work with iPhones.

[@Coyote.five.0]

2:21 im definitely there , i have a red magic and i also own almost every console starting from the atari all the way to ps5 and series x and all in between nintendo stuff sega stuff , im a nerd about consoles and playing video games and im definitely there because i put my phone in console mode and just have a blast backing up my games on my pc then installing them on my phone and playing them upscaled 2k resolution and i play lots of emulators on my phone that i can just plug to any tv and start playing ps1 console , n64, nes, snes, gamecube,ps2,switch,wii,gameboy, psp, and i dont have to carry all of them and expose them to dropping or damaging them, one thing i must say nothing beats playing the actual real console on a component tv without hdmi if you want an upgrade to that experience you can buy converters so they upscale to your tv properly there are cheap one out there but the expensive ones literally add definition and anti aliasing to the image so it make it look even better that's the way to go

[@carloscruz-ni6pf]

I'd like to see the comparison with the razor product. I am an android user, and they have made a backbone for android devices now except it is lacking on the functionality when it comes to the playstation app.

[@DanPeters182]

At my age mobile gaming is pretty much my bread and butter. I don't have time to sit down in front of a screen too often so things like my switch are a godsend and I play it more than any console now. I just picked up a backbone to breath some life into my dusty Xbox account!! The only thing that's a pain is they don't have mobile native Genshin support yet which is the biggest actual mobile game I'd like to use it for.

[@DoctorFuturity]

I think the streaming options must be getting better. It's March 2023 now and I have gamed many hours on the Xbox Cloud Streaming with no issues....as long as I have a good internet connection.

[@johnjames529]

Can I use an apple leather case with this or is it too bulky? Not excited about taking my case off every time.

[@sageclubfoot-zr1bp]

Could you use the controller to navigate the phone because the top part of my iPhone is unresponsive to touch. So I'm having a hard time downloading apps from the app store

[@ryan2ratpanhya705]

I play on laptop (chrome book) and I use GeForce now to play fortnite and I can play on mobile but I am not used to touch and If I bought the backbone it would make my life easier even though I would have to learn how to use a controller

[@Babyburns]

As someone who doesn’t have any consoles and didn’t grow up with much more than a ps2 and Xbox 360 I do have a cell phone so I think mobile gaming is awesome, my friend from work just uses his Xbox controller when he plays on his phone, but since I don’t have one of those I was debating on getting the backbone? What ya think? Should I get one or just get a Xbox or ps4 controller ?

[@albowers1796]

I have played an embarrassing number of 100s of hours on my backbone with Xbox cloud. It’s much faster than a Bluetooth, controller, and surprisingly durable, and when the thumb stick fell out, they fixed it. My only real issue is native apps, running the phone very hot, only cloud games seem to not overwork the phone, and the only problems of the set up or the same problems, shared by every cloud gaming system, occasional lag, disconnection, etc but honestly, I haven’t played my regular Xbox in months, mobile makes it much easier to kind of drop in and play for a little bit drop out, and it settled any disputes over occupying the only TV we have for too long.

[@lordmaziofficial2438]

Just bought it Will be Here Today

[@mastercontrol2461]

Great Review thanks for your time, I'm going to help My kid get a "Backbone" ^5

[@aztecazul]

I’d be interested in a comparison to the Razer product! This device looks great though! Great in depth review, brotha!

[@MozzyVG330]

Maybe it’s just me I’m still on the fence with this product because I already have a moga gaming clip that attaches to my Xbox controller and since I love the Xbox already the buttons are amazing so no issues with small big hands just works. As well it’s not as portable yes but I have no problem carefully caring my Xbox controller and clip attached anywhere I go that is if it’s an acceptable place for it. Don’t just whip it out at dinner lol. While playing can keep my outer box case on with the clip so no worries there. Idk just seems like the moga clip is not only cheaper at 15 and if you already have a controller no extra charge there unless you buy a controller just for that. But I feel it’s better or am I wrong

[@SethModThis]

Bought the backbone yesterday for my iPhone 12 mini and if you need a friend with a backbone let me know :D I play cod mobile and Genshin impact as well

[@noticeddamian]

It’s a great controller but it’s annoying to always have to take off your phone case to use it.

[@TeftyTeft]

Yuuuup, one big and HUGE con.

[@redscorpion9325]

I agree

[@100Bucks]

That's why I stand my phone on a table, and use a regular Bluetooth controller. Taking the case off and on all the time is wearing the phone out. Install case 1 time, leave it there until you purchase a new phone.

[@dougheffernan6191]

Eh not that big of a deal

[@YEmilio]

Who use phone case you broke it bought another one or pay Apple care

[@Martin-kd8bb]

What is the game you are playing @ 11:44 mark?

[@itzdcx7991]

We actually are when phones can replace console we've been for a very long time I don't notice but every modern smart phone can Run emulated consoles quite well now

[@archangelrob]

I have a question can I play All the Xbox games with my iPhone 📲 N All my friends on there Xbox system like the New called of duty wwm3 there just come out Or u can only play the game’s that are there only plz help me out before I pay it!!!!

[@theoutsiderjess4869]

Yes and no I was looking for something like this since 2014 a monile gaming controller but back then it was just an attachment with a 3rd party controller but with this price and after using the switch for years I know that playing on something like that would be so uncomfortable

[@s10akland]

I have 4 kids and I can’t really disappear to play PS5. Remote play is a lifesaver I just need a good controller. Thanks for the video it really helped with my decision

[@evacomamartin3332]

Can you play your play station games when you are not on wifi for exemple when you are outside ???

[@sageclubfoot-zr1bp]

Do you have to have a PS5 to use it? Or can I just sign in to my account and have access to my games.

[@houstonneedham5213]

I'm only curious how being limited to just one type of connection would not the biggest problem if you're an iOS user, a mobile gamer, and an owner of a mobile controller that is useless on any device without a lightning input? It is already bad enough that you can't use it with a case. The reason why you can't use it with a case is the actual issue with this.

[@sageclubfoot-zr1bp]

Does it download the app on its own or do I have to download the app before I connect it to my phone

[@32bit_mo]

The backbone completely changed how I enjoy games, the main problem with PC gaming in my life as an early adult is actually gaming itself. I don’t enjoy sitting at my desk all the time, Steam Link was completely useless on iOS before I got a backbone(although with a jail broken iPhone you could download a tweak to allow any app to run on apple car play so it was cool for that). I completely gave up console gaming because of the limitations in games. I enjoy older games like Fallout and Elder scrolls which are complete sh*t on console with out mods. So to be able to play a spiffed up version of Fallout NV 20 miles away from my PC is worth the expense. I highly recommend it.

[@TerezTakez]

It’s good to see that he would eventually be wrong about the port not being able to be used for anything but power. Now we can connect the controller to an iPad and be able to use it as a controller that way. Didn’t see that one coming🤦🏾‍♂️Only took 2 years😂

[@MercGaming-eo3fl]

Backbone is great! I don't even use my console anymore.

[@mmeyerh70]

Bought one, can't wait to take it back. Not worth the $100 price tag. Button functions don't work on some games, have to take off case to use it.

[@craigerie4296]

I live in the country and don’t have WiFi. I have fantastic cell service and use it to stream and hotspot my computer. Would I be able to play COD online with this on COD mobile? Never played it so I’m wanting to get back into COD .

[@VILLARDX3749]

Hey uncle tefty plx tell me dat does this back bone controller is also for android mobile bcz I have Samsung Galaxy Note 8 mobile and can v play old retro 2d games with it wat I have downloaded from Google apk n play store plz tell

[@Only1Jenda]

I have been debating on to purchase backbone or would it be a waste of $100. Since I don’t play much games unless it interest me like the current mobile global game called :Tower of Fantasy I prefer mobile gaming when I connect via Bluetooth to the PlayStation control it feels bulky in my hands and I would end up having to touch the phone screen more constantly then the PS control

[@user-gt4fp1nn9e]

Hi..what game is it at 22:40? Thanks

[@dougheffernan6191]

I love this thing. Kick ass on Cod with this thing 😂

[@Bigchicano561]

Can you use a case with this. I have a OtterBox symmetry case will that work?

[@aatn90]

With T-Mobile Okay 5Gcu connection you’ll have no issue with lag…. Gets over 300 mbs per second. Just make sure your area is covered

[@Chapo-559]

It says broadcast because you can go live with your twitch using the backbone app