Customer Ratings & Reviews

I got the Backbone Gen 2 as a means to test the waters in terms of using the Remote Play function on my PS5. The Backbone connects to the iPhone and you are immediately instructed to download the Backbone app, which shows you the different features of the Backbone, calibrate the control sticks, and sign up for a paid Backbone subscription service (this is 100% optional). Using the Backbone, the action buttons are easy to press and make a clicking sound, the D-pad is responsive, the analog sticks are a decent size and click inward to simulate L3/R3, and the L2/R2 buttons have a bit of travel to them like on the DualSense controllers. The L2/R2 buttons don't have a lot of tension so my only concern is that they will wear out prematurely. As long as you're not death-gripping the Backbone and don't drop it all the time, it should be fine. I have two major cons for the Backbone. The first is that, even with the included Small adapters in place, my phone will not fit with the protective case on. I have the Otter Box Symmetry Clear on my iPhone 13 Pro Max and the connector will not reach into the port, even if the adapters are removed. The second con is the orange Backbone button. If you press the button quickly, even by accident, it automatically takes you to the Backbone App and kicks you out of your Remote Play session. If you hold it down for about 1/8 of a second, you can access the Control Center on the PS5. Holding it down for 1/4 of a second will take you to the PS5 Main Menu. Holding it down any longer than that will take you to the Backbone App. I really wish that they would make the orange Backbone button function more like the PS button like on the DualSense controller, with an extra long press taking you to the Backbone App. This was never intended to be the ultimate replacement to gaming on the console itself, but rather intended to be a complimentary accessory to the core experience. And for that, the Backbone is a good accessory for anybody looking to take their console gaming on the go, without fiddling with carrying an extra controller and what not. 4/5!

Awful. Small cramped and awkward ergonomics. Constant “disconnect” errors even when held still with no active usage or physical stress. Button layout shows Xbox buttons in iPhone native apps like Genshin Impact. Many advertised “features” paywalled behind obnoxiously intrusive spyware app. Grossly overpriced. Just get a good clip and use a real controller for an experience miles ahead in comfort and functionality for 1/10th the price.