I was playing my PS5 games on my phone instead of the console – how well is that working?

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With the Backbone One, the manufacturer of the same name has presented a mobile phone controller that offers the layout of the PlayStation. MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann has tested the model and reveals how well it plays.

The most important things at a glance:

  • The Backbone One is a cell phone controller with the layout of a PlayStation controller.
  • The processing of the controller is good and the design is reminiscent of the DualSense controller.
  • However, the controller’s software is disappointing and confusing.
  • The controller is lighter than the PS5 controller and the grips are comfortable to hold.
  • The Backbone One is suitable for mobile gaming and streaming, but there are also alternative controllers.

    • What kind of controller is that? Most cell phone controllers use the well-known Xbox design. However, if you want to play or stream PlayStation games directly, you are either unlucky or have to use the Xbox design.

    Backbone has introduced the Backbone One, a mobile phone controller that comes with the official PlayStation license. If you don’t know the PS key layout by heart anyway, you’ll get an advantage here.

    But is the model also worthwhile apart from the logo and buttons? I have tested the device with my cell phone and explain the advantages and disadvantages of the controller.

    Design/Interfaceasymmetrical controller with PlayStation interfacesoftwareApps (Android, iOS)lightingNocompatibilityMobile phone with Android or iOSscope of deliveryCell phone controller (backbone), manualparticularitiesPS layout, mobile phone pass-through chargingPrice (RRP)119.99 euros

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    Scope of delivery, design and construction

    What’s included? The scope of delivery of the Backbone One is minimalistic. Apart from the controller module, there is only an instruction manual in the box. More is not included and is not normally required.

    If you want to charge your cell phone via the controller, you have to use your own power supply and charging cable. Everyone should have one of these in the house.

    How is the controller structured?

  • On the front is the well-known layout of a PS controller.
  • Compared to the “real” PS5 controller, the buttons and thumbsticks are slightly smaller.
  • To play, the backbone is pulled apart and the mobile phone is placed in the middle. Small rubber parts should ensure that your cell phone is not scratched. Attaching a cell phone with a case is hardly possible.
  • On the front there is an additional USB port for charging the phone you are playing with and a 3.5mm jack.
  • Incidentally, individual parts of the controller cannot be replaced, everything is permanently installed.
  • By the way, the controller does not offer any triggers or other additional buttons.

    • What does the controller look like? The Backbone One comes in a white design with black accents, strongly reminiscent of the official DualSense controller. Otherwise, the design is reserved and unspectacular. The manufacturer does not use RGB or other decorations.

    processing

    The processing of the controller makes a good impression. The device is made entirely of plastic, but it still looks valuable and not cheap.

    The controller is stiff when you want to pull it apart to wedge your phone in between, but I like that as it gives the feeling that my phone won’t suddenly detach from the controller either.

    The keys, both the control pad and the individual buttons, offer me a good feel. Nothing wobbles or rattles here. Only the thumbsticks have some leeway in their holder for loose movement.

    The software

    In the Backbone app, you must register with either an Apple or Google account if you want to use the app. An alternative is not yet possible (as of July 2023).

    The app itself feels like a poor imitation of GeForce Now or the Xbox Game Pass launcher. The app itself is heavily overloaded with suggestions for free games, videos, and gameplay. That scares me right away I want to use the app great.

    On top of that, I don’t see any advantage of using this app in everyday life. I can do without friend lists, screenshots and recording functions:

  • I can take screenshots and game recordings directly via Android.
  • I already have friends lists with Steam, PlayStation Network and Co.

    • In my opinion, the software is the biggest weakness of the device. And even if I have to say it so bluntly: I am deterred as a customer by having to have an account and an overloaded app, instead of actually tying me to a company (and their product). Companies like Razer quickly abolished such a registration requirement for good reasons.

    However, it has to be said: In order to start and play games, I don’t necessarily have to use the app. I can therefore basically uninstall them again directly.

    With Backbone+ there is already a paid subscription service, but this is not yet available on Android. The price on iOS is around 50 euros per year. That doesn’t necessarily make the app more likeable to me in the long run. More information about the subscription is available directly from the manufacturer.

    First impression of the Backbone app: confusing and not very helpful in everyday life. More of a big gaming hub than a relief in everyday life.

    On the next page I go into ergonomics, weight and practical experiences with the backbone. In the final conclusion, I explain whether and for whom the device is worthwhile.

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