Backbone introduces new PlayStation-themed mobile gaming controller

Keshav Bhat

Backbone is extending their partnership with PlayStation to debut an PlayStation 5 DualSense themed version of the company’s popular mobile iPhone gaming controller.

Backbone announced the new controller as part of their extended licensing partnership with Sony PlayStation to include PlayStation buttons, colors, and logos on the controller. The new product is called the Backbone One – PlayStation® Edition and available at Backbone’s site.

Backbone has worked with PlayStation to support Remote Play through their mobile controllers, allowing players to play PlayStation titles on the go with a controller in hand. The Backbone One controller is available currently for iPhone only with an Android version expected this fall.

Backbone One Features

The new controller is built to fit right in with the PlayStation design and features it’s own app on iPhone to setup and download a variety of games.

The controller is highlighted with three key features for the product:

  • An exquisite design: The elegant colors, materials, and finishes are all inspired by the design of the PS5 console’s DualSense wireless controller, including transparent face buttons and a visually distinctive floating appearance. 
  • Purpose-built for PS Remote Play: The latest version of PS Remote Play even lets you wake your PS4 or PS5 remotely, so you can play PlayStation games anywhere. The Backbone app will also feature special integrations with the PlayStation and PS Remote Play app that make the experience even more special, like a dedicated row with new releases and updates from PlayStation and the ability to automatically deep link you into the PlayStation app to install it onto your console remotely so you can play it later via PS Remote Play.
  • An reimagined app: The biggest update to the app to date, the Backbone app will now allow users to navigate the Backbone app without the device connected via touch screen. Now it’s easier than ever to discover new games, watch highlights, or connect with friends. As soon as you’re ready to hit play again, simply connect your Backbone device and the app will automatically transition you back from Standalone Mode to Controller Mode.

Backbone One First Thoughts

Backbone sent a review unit for us to checkout, and we tested it out first with Call of Duty: Mobile. The controller is very easy to use, set up, and start playing. Players have to download the Backbone app on their iPhone to pair the controller and start playing.

And since Call of Duty: Mobile supports controllers, it worked great with the Backbone device. Call of Duty: Mobile brings the best of Call of Duty on the go, with recent numbers saying the title has over 500 million downloads.

Using a controller makes the action feel even better and helps bring the experience to that of the console versions of the game.

You can play a variety of mobile games with the controller, so long as said-game as mobile controllers support. You can also play PlayStation Remote Play, letting you access some of your favorite PlayStation titles on the go (with good internet connection), and even play Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming titles with this controller, including Fortnite on the web.

The controller overall feels great, sturdy, and easy to hold – even when using with an iPhone 13 Pro Max.

The joystick feels stable while traversing intense games, and the buttons have very similar feel to that of the PS5 Dualsense controller.

We look forward to using the controller more with other titles, even with PlayStation remote play on Call of Duty games, and later on when Warzone Mobile releases.

Learn more about Backbone products at Backbone’s site.