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BACKBONE One Mobile Gaming Controller for iPhone (Lightning) - 1st Gen - Turn Your iPhone into a Gaming Console - Play Xbox, PlayStation, Call of Duty, Roblox, Minecraft, Genshin Impact & More

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Size: Gen 1 | Lightning


Color: Black


Features

  • PLAY VIRTUALLY ANY GAME, ANYWHERE: Enjoy mobile gaming on the go. Play App Store hits like Call of Duty, Fortnite & Roblox, stream through Xbox Game Pass & GeForce NOW, or connect via Remote Play from PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. Note: Remote Play is supported only with Backbone One - PlayStation Edition.
  • PRECISION CONTROLS: Crafted for accuracy and comfort, this compact phone gaming controller features ultra-wide analog triggers, high-precision thumbsticks, and a responsive D-pad/buttons. Designed for smooth, reliable gameplay across all your favorite titles.
  • IN-APP EMULATOR READY FOR iOS USERS: Turn your mobile controller into a retro gaming hub! Import your own ROMs, play offline, and enjoy controller support with Backbones in-app emulator. Available to iOS users on version 18.4 or higher (Android version in development). A Backbone+ subscription is required, making it the ideal gift for gamers craving classic titles on the go.
  • IPHONE COMPATIBILITY + CASE SUPPORT: Compatible with all iPhones that have a Lightning connector (iPhone 14 & older). For iPhone 15 and newer, see our USB-C version. Includes magnetic adapters for case support, making this a versatile mobile phone controller for Lightning-enabled devices.
  • BACKBONE+ TRIAL INCLUDED: Unlock enhanced features with a trial membership, including game recording, friends list, and a universal launcher. With Backbone+, enjoy free instant access to a wide variety of games, enhancing your experience by letting you play immediately without paying for extra features. This gaming controller works out of the box. A Backbone+ subscription is optional and not required to play games.

Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 1.28 x 3.5 inches; 4.87 ounces


Type of item: Video Game


Language: English


Item model number: BB-02-B-R


Item Weight: 4.9 ounces


Manufacturer: Backbone


Date First Available: December 29, 2020


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Top Amazon Reviews

🚀 Abunda's Overview

This is our summary and key points to consider based on customer reviews.


These reviews portray a general satisfaction with this gaming device. Users appreciate the tool's portability, seamless performance, and no need for battery charging or Bluetooth connectivity. Some found the device perfect for shorter gaming sessions and loved its compatibility with various games. Nevertheless, users with larger hands reported discomfort after long use, and some had difficulties with the joystick during certain games.

Pros

  • 🎮 Does not need to be charged or connected via Bluetooth
  • 🕹️ Compatible with a variety of games and works seamlessly
  • 🚄 Highly portable, making it perfect for gaming on the go
  • ⏱️ Ideal for shorter gaming sessions

Cons

  • 👐 May not be comfortable for players with larger hands over long periods
  • 📏 Joystick difficulties, especially for precise controls

Should I Buy It?

If you're looking for a compact gaming tool for your phone to spin up short-term gaming sessions when you have a spare moment, this device is an excellent choice. However, if you plan to play for extended periods, or if you have larger hands, this may not be the best option for you.


  • Quality product with a few minor issues.
Size: Gen 2 | USB-C Color: Black
Overall this is a high quality product and works well. Pros: -Responsive controls -Familiar x-box style layout Cons: -Not compatible with protective phone cases. I have a protective "armor" phone case by Spigen and it will NOT connect to the USB jack while the phone is in the case. The USB connector just Isn't long enough when cased. I bought an angled USB-C extension cable from Amazon which "works" fine, but then you have to have your phone barely in the top of the dock. It functionally "works" just fine, just not as secure as it should work. -Small handles. If you're used to playing with a standard x-box/PC/Playstation controller, the handles are pretty small for an adult and holding the controller is a little awkward. I suppose you could 3D print "palm swells" to work, but I believe you shouldn't have to. Overall impression: -The controller does the job. The build quality seems fine, it works well and allows easier gaming experience than relying on the standard phone touch screen controls. Zenless Zone Zero is playable just fine (the reason I bought the controller), but the small grips diminish the pleasure of use for extended gaming sessions. Is it worth the cost? If you can get it on sale, sure. Does it work? Yes. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2025 by Rookscastle

  • Taking Your Console Experience Into the Portable Realm
Size: Gen 2 | USB-C Color: White
The following critiques will be faily split between PS Remote Play testing results and the Backbone peripheral itself, which is an A+ highly recommended device for Playstation/Xbox players, and maybe the small (?) population of Steam users who aren't quite on board spending >$500 on the impeccable Steamdeck yet would like an occasional time away from the keyboard and mouse. It may not be a return to the days of the underrated Playstation Vita, but it's close enough. Pros - Controller is an almost 1:1 of the Switch joycons in terms of scale and layout (not ideal for big boy hands like mine) which took alot of adjusting to despite the brand's console-specific face buttons(ABCs for Xbox, XYOs for Playstation) and matching triggers to emulate the respected controller aesthetics. Analog sticks match the feel of the standard first party joycon so least it doesn't have a cheap click to it but time can only tell. - The Backbone app is very user-friendly and comfortable. More or less an imitation of the Gamepass and PS Network UIs put together but you can easily switch between Playstation, Gamepass, and Steam apps via the dedicated red home button on the right handed grip. Navigating is simple and the app offers an in-house directory for platform game streaming, F2P base games, and even social media features if you're into that sort of thing. Pretty cool stuff and although I'm only going to go straight to PS5 play or Steam Link, I appreciate the effort they put into making Backbone a serious companion to all platforms. - Concerning actual gameplay, latency is rock solid for most games sans a few exceptions, maybe a few milliseconds off. On remote play, I ran at 720p to maintain steady frame rate without harsh drops. It's been reported here and there that the Backbone SORT OF has a hand in making the remote experience as smooth as relatively possible compared to a non-Backbone method. Might be a theory but point is, had practically no major issues. Tested games such as GRID Legends, Returnal, Doom, NHL 22, Resident Evil 4 in addition to some older 3D games and turn-based RPGs which this is perfect for. - Compatibility with PS+, Gamepass, Steam Link, Google Play, annnnnd yes, the wide wide world of emulators. A tremendous positive it shares with the Steamdeck. Enough said. Minor Cons - Going back to the controller design, the thumbsticks could be a little larger because shooters will lead to some sore appendages for bigger hands like mine after maybe half an hour of constant playing. So this is purely subjective; I tried applying removable thumb attachments but they didn't fully fit and they fell off easily. - Touchpad optimization is non-existent for the controller for obvious reasons however a little back button could remedy this. Otherwise, given the wide length of the attachment plus phone it is a real chore holding the Backbone in one hand so you can press the middle of your smartphone's touchscreen with the other. Not a design or manufacturer flaw and I don't know if there's a solution for it either considering the way Sony implemented that in their own dedicated app (which Backbone mirrors via its own app). It is the only noticeable tangible problem though. - Lastly, from an exclusive streaming/remote play experience, the Backbone's peak of its potential completely hinges on your router distance and ISP plan. The farther away you are from the gateway, the more hangups you'll get not to mention stuttering pixelation quality. I read that using a smartphone's data and wi-fi still does plenty of heavy lifting to run decently unlike the stupid >$400 Playstation Portal which operates way worse on very specific hardware only on wi-fi. This is in no way influenced by the hardware whatsoever BUT be cautioned if you are purchasing the controller for entirely streaming. So to conclude, for what is an official Sony and Microsoft endorsed $60 (Black Friday sale) peripheral that is compatible with any USB-C smartphone and functions with the premier gaming services (plus Google Play emulators)...Backbone is not a bad investment at all to say the very least. Highly recommended, just make sure it's suitable to your gaming needs. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2023 by PropaneSalesman PropaneSalesman

  • Easily the best mobile controller I’ve tried
Size: Gen 2 | USB-C Color: Black
The Backbone One really makes your phone feel like a handheld console, responsive buttons, solid build, and super comfortable to use. You’ll need to install the Backbone app to make it a true plug-and-play experience, but once set up, it works seamlessly with Xbox Game Pass, Remote Play, SteamLink and more. Easily one of the best controllers I’ve used for mobile gaming, especially on iPhone. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2025 by Geoff L

  • Great controller but with a flaw
Size: Gen 2 | USB-C Color: Black
I purchased my backbone USB-C gen 2 back in January of 2025 and just last night the left side became glitchy and eventually stopped working. I loved the build and feel of the product, and even liked that the product company is based in my home state of Oregon, however after the about 9 months of use the left side was no longer functional. I never charged using the controller as charging while playing a game is never the best idea for a battery anyway. I attempted to blow dust out at first thinking it was just the joystick as they appear to be the same as the joysticks in the Joy-Cons. This worked briefly when the D-Pad began to not function or the left stick would act like it was being moved, despite being in the neutral position. When the Product was stretched out (like to put phone in) the issue would stop. It appears that there is a design flaw with the ribbon cable that connects the left and right sides and likely has become pinched or causing some short within the bridge itself. I was considering reaching out to support for a replacement, however after several reviews and reading on Reddit, it appears that this is a common trouble that is still needing addressed. I give 4 stars as I love the overall build and the functionality, however due to the product not lasting a full year. I was able to purchase some replacement cables https://a.co/d/5y1rYLa Which allowed me to repair mine for next to nothing ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2025 by Ulvgard93

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