At a time when mobile gaming is becoming a must in the gaming world and a strong selling point for smartphones, it’s not always easy to play with the touch controls on offer.
Of course the service xbox game pass multiplies the game adaptations of its Cloud Gaming catalog so that everything is easy to play through the single screen. But this does not replace a joystick in the hand to better adjust its controls, if its main leisure activity is not limited to candy crush.
Therefore, the market for smartphone gaming accessories has been expanding recently and more and more controllers are ready to do battle integrating the phone. Among these, the Backbone One caught our eye.
A joystick in hand
The Backbone One is presented as an extendable and light base (138 g) in which the smartphone that is connected to the Lightning or USB-C socket (depending on the model) will slide. Controllers are fixed on each side. We then find ourselves with a format close to that of the Nintendo Switch in a nomadic version, less removable controllers.
Everything has the merit of being able to accommodate all sizes of iPhone or smartphone. For the iPhone version, an additional slider adapter is provided at one end of the slider frame to adjust everything to the dimensions of an iPhone 13 Pro Max/iPhone 14/14 Plus/14 Pro/14 Pro Max with a larger photo module on the back (it is possible to print it in 3D through the model provided).
The module also features dedicated buttons: an orange button to open the Backbone app, a video or photo screenshot button, and a … button to mute the sound by double-pressing it. Headphones can also be connected via the audio jack.
The Backbone One offers a very good grip, regardless of the size of the slipped smartphone. Control buttons and joysticks are well laid out and fit your fingers perfectly.
useful functions
Once connected, the Backbone One transforms everything into a portable mini console in the hands. All you have to do is launch the supported games (shooter games, racing games, sports games, platform games, etc.) to play as easily as with a traditional controller. The easiest way is to go through the Backbone app, because it will bundle all the games available on the smartphone or through apps like App Store or Play Store, Xbox Game Pass, Apple Arcade, GeForce Now, Steam or again. the PS Remote Play which allows access to your PlayStation games (via Wi-Fi only). Purchasing the controller also gets you a free month of Xbox Game Pass and Apple Arcade subscription.
The app also allows you to find out about recently added games to your subscriptions, get game recommendations based on your games but also by theme, retrieve exclusive content and perks, follow streams, or view partial excerpts. One year subscription is offered to unlock everything, but the app remains usable even in the free version thereafter.
The Backbone also has other assets between its handles. It is possible to record your own gameplay and stream it on Twitch, communicate on Discord with one click, add friends, and organize online games in teams.
The other advantage of this controller is that it can be used as a controller, even without a built-in smartphone. By connecting via cable (there’s a Lightning or USB-C port to charge the smartphone in use) to a PC, Mac or tablet, Backbone One lets you play the vast majority of games on these other media. Just go to settings to indicate support.
conclusion
Easy to transport and put in your bag, the Backbone One is a great controller due to its versatility, its multiple functions and its low consumption over the autonomy of the smartphone (it does not have a battery to recharge). She can do almost everything and she can play all the games. Its compatibility with different services makes access to games extremely easy and intuitive. In the era of cloud gaming, it’s an impressive asset as well as allowing you to play naturally, especially competitive games, thanks to imperceptible latency.
Its price may seem high (120 euros on Amazon), but the quality of its finishes, its solid design, its pleasant and responsive keys, in addition to the options, position it among the best controllers for smartphones on the market.
Note that the USB-C version will be available at the same price in November.
Source: BFM TV
