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Customer Ratings & Reviews

Your price for this item is $99.99

Customer reviews

Rating 4.4 out of 5 stars with 527 reviews

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Rating by feature

  • Value

    Rating 4.4 out of 5 stars

  • Quality

    Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars

  • Ease of Use

    Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars

Pros mentioned filter

Cons mentioned filter

86%would recommend to a friend

Customers are saying

Customers admire the Backbone One controller for its portability, comfort, and ease of use. They appreciate its compatibility with various devices, including the iPhone 15 and Android phones. However, some users express concerns about the subscription requirement for certain features, the relatively high price, and the size and quality of the joysticks.

This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.

The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 522 reviews
  • Pros mentioned:
    Gaming

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    No need 4 console

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    Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I love this thing. I was missing having a console but with this i can play alot of different ways right on my phone. Definitely not missing a console anymore!!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Portable

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Love this thing!

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    Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I’ve never really been a mobile gamer before, but since i got my iPhone 15 Pro, I wanted to see what all its capable of and using the backbone makes playing games on my phone so easy. I take it with me everywhere I go, and I got remote play setup for my series x, ps5, and through steam on my gaming pc. Remote play uses about as much battery as watching videos does and with a fully charged battery bank, im ready to game wherever im at for over 12 hours.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Gaming

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Back Bone usb c

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    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Wow, what a great device. I’m so happy to be able to play Call of Duty on my phone with a controller. Thank you for everything.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Easy to use

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    It's a great time for mobile gaming!!!!

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Using this with my iPhone 15 Pro Max could NOT be any easier. Just download the app and you're all set. Works with my case too! I've been using this mostly for emulators like Delta and PPSSPP and it works perfectly. I wish there were a couple programmable buttons for emulation purposes but for what its trying to accomplish, it nails it.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Portable

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Must have

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    Posted . Owned for 6 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Best mobile gaming controller out there !!! Minecraft has never felt so good on the go :) I even 3D Printed myself a little case for it!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Great Gramer control for my mobile device

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    Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Man if you like playing game on your phone , Than you gotta get the backbone this controller that fit all smartphone is a game changer not only can you play all Google game it also play online Xbox and PlayStation game depending on if your and Android or iPhone owner which I find pretty cool cause if I'm online deep up in a match CFD or Battlefront but I need to be some where say with the GF or at some appointment or something now I grab my phone and backbone and with few click of a button I'm right back in the fight and you slapin a wired head gear and back to tell everyone how bad I am And if you're worried about your battery, fear not use your charging cable for your phone and you're back in the game. Bud, so I give two thumbs up on this reason for four Stars and. Five it is because with everything there always small about fee but other than that spot on. Keep it up backbone. Oh, and also does updates that you might need be cool

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Comfortable grip, Portable

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Backbone review.

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I like it. Very comfortable while playing and very portable.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great value

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Out of all the controller solutions for iOS I have tried, this one is my favorite. It feels very sturdy and would last a long time. I really like the dedicated button to open the game launcher.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great for Vacations, Fun to Use

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    Posted . Owned for 3 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Amazing with there were more games I have been actually asking app developers to provide controller support. Played Diablo, Stardew Valley, Balatro, and Slay the Spire with this controller. Only downside is I have to take my case off for the connector to fit

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great features and iphone15 and android compatible

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    Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I used to have the old version lightning connection, and decided to upgrade since i also upgraded to the Iphone 15 and have an android cellphone too. I dont play to much mobile games I usually play, when I do, cod mobile i play with fingers. However, the backbone has really nice features (of course you have to pay a membership yearly) mine was around 45 per year. Some of the pay features are: Play on any screen (PC, Mac and iPads); capture edit & share 1080p video at 60fps with cloud storage; In-app voice and text chat with friends; live-stream directly to twitch... I believe for xbox cloud streaming you do need the membership for backbone. I dont use it so much, but if you mainly play on mobile, want to start streaming or prefer controller over finger then i do recommend a lot. Besides it helps when waiting on airports.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Fits perfect

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    Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Fits my Fold 5 with a case perfectly...Very light and portable...gamepass and any other phone games work great.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 2 out of 5 stars

    Why the Xbox Backbone Controller Falls Short: A Cr

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    Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The Xbox Backbone controller, while innovative in concept, has faced substantial criticism from gamers and industry analysts alike. This essay will delve into the shortcomings of the Xbox Backbone controller, examining its design flaws, ergonomic issues, and functionality concerns that have led to its unfavorable reception. Design Flaws One of the primary criticisms of the Xbox Backbone controller is its design. Unlike traditional controllers, the Backbone is an accessory that transforms a smartphone into a gaming controller. This design choice, while creative, introduces several problems. For one, it requires a smartphone to function, making it less versatile compared to standalone controllers that can be used with various gaming systems. This dependency on a specific device limits its appeal and usability. Moreover, the controller's design prioritizes form over function. The layout and button placement often feel cramped, especially when compared to the ergonomically refined designs of dedicated gaming controllers. This can result in a less comfortable gaming experience, particularly during extended play sessions. Ergonomic Issues Ergonomics is a crucial aspect of any gaming controller, as it directly impacts the user's comfort and overall experience. The Xbox Backbone controller has been criticized for its poor ergonomic design. Unlike more established controllers that are crafted to fit the contours of the human hand, the Backbone's form can lead to hand strain and discomfort. The compact nature of the controller, which aims to accommodate a smartphone, often results in a less natural grip. This can be exacerbated during long gaming sessions, where the lack of ergonomic support becomes more apparent. Additionally, the need to hold both the smartphone and the controller can lead to fatigue. Traditional controllers are designed to distribute weight evenly, whereas the Backbone's design requires gamers to manage both the weight of their phone and the controller, potentially leading to an uneven and uncomfortable gaming experience. Functionality Concerns Another significant issue with the Xbox Backbone controller is its functionality. While it boasts compatibility with various games and services, the reality of its performance has not always lived up to expectations. Connectivity issues, such as latency and connection drops, have been reported by users, which can severely impact gameplay. These issues undermine the controller's effectiveness, especially in fast-paced or competitive gaming scenarios where responsiveness is crucial. Furthermore, the Backbone controller lacks some features present in dedicated gaming controllers, such as advanced haptic feedback and customizable buttons. These omissions can be a significant drawback for gamers who are accustomed to the nuanced and responsive controls of more advanced controllers. The absence of these features can result in a less immersive and less engaging gaming experience. Conclusion In conclusion, while the Xbox Backbone controller represents an interesting attempt to merge mobile technology with gaming, it falls short in several key areas. Its design flaws, ergonomic issues, and functionality concerns highlight the challenges of creating a versatile and comfortable gaming accessory. For gamers seeking a high-quality, comfortable, and reliable controller experience, the Xbox Backbone may not be the optimal choice. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, addressing these shortcomings will be crucial for any future iterations of the Backbone controller or similar devices.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Cons mentioned:
    Compatibility

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great buy

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This controller works great. Doesn't work with the Samsung Galaxy A13 like the backbone webpage said. Still, I use it on my SGS23 Ultra. My child uses it during car rides and has a blast.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Awesome

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I'm a gamer on game systems. This is my first time ever owning a Backbone & it's awesome. I use it on my Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra & see what I'm doing without having to actually touch the screen. Even though you have to pay monthly on it, I think it's worth it cause I'm hooked. I would definitely recommend the Backbone even though I have the Xbox version so you choose which one you like & I hope you enjoy it cause I know I am & still enjoy it down the road.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    This thing is super cool

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    Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Mobile gaming on steroids, the controller is really good and comfortable to hold. Buttons are very responsive and accurate. Build quality is very solid. Love the charge pass through and the 3.5mm headset jack to chat in game or take calls. A level up in mobile game play. For the downside it won't work with a case on the phone. But that's a small sacrifice for what you get.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Fun, Convenient, on the Go Play!

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    Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    My husband loves this thing! Hes able to play this on his samsung galaxy s23+ & his tablet. He plays path of exile & he can do all of the things on his regular gaming system. The controls are smooth & easy to use, the buttons are comfortable & press well, no sticking.I got this for my husband for Christmas & his friends are jealous that they dont have one lol. I would definitely recommend this to any gamer or this wpuld definitely make a great guft if they dont already have one.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Responsive

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great

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    Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Very responsive for games grip feels nice buttons and it came with gamepass

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Good and convenient

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    Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This is a very quality controller. Nice feeling triggers and clicks buttons. Fits really nice around the iPhone 15 with the extra sides the include. Works great with all games and the app is neat. You do have to pay for it but they give you a year free. If you like playing mobile games but don’t want to lug around a controller this is definitely a great option. Great size that I think could fit all hands

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    War Zone on the go! Let's Go !!!

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    Posted . Owned for 7 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The best mobile controller for your phone! War Zone on the go is the best!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Cooler than I thought it would be

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    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Works awesome with my iPhone 15 and Pixel. Most of the compatible games are easy to get going, a few are a huge pain, but it’s not the controller’s fault. I think most problems arise from streaming a game that used a launcher other than Steam, ie, when Ubisoft Connect also wants to launch. The travel case is also an awesome accessory.

    I would recommend this to a friend
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