The new Backbone One – PlayStation Edition controller was revealed on the PS Blog. What features does it bring and which ones are missing compared to the PS5 controllers?
This is the controller: The outer design of the Backbone One – PlayStation Edition is clearly based on the white DualSense of the PS5. But that’s not surprising either – after all, it’s an officially licensed product.
Accordingly, the square, triangle, circle and X button look the same as you know them from the DualSense. In the middle of the controller, where the touchpad would otherwise be, there is basically nothing – except for space for the iPhone.
You’re all wrong when you say “X button” – That’s the official name of the PS4 button
And yes, in fact, the controller is apparently only intended for iPhones. There is an Android-compatible backbone controller on the official site, but not in the PlayStation design.
A small trailer shows what the controller should look like in action:
PS5 Licensed iPhone Controller – This is Backbone One: PlayStation Edition
How much does the controller cost? The controller is available on the official website (via PlayBackbone) for 119.99 euros.
What features does the controller bring with it?
Backbone CEO Maneet Khaira goes into more detail about the controller on the PlayStation Blog. Not only should it go well with the PlayStation 5 thanks to the DualSense-like design, but it is also compatible with accessories such as the Pulse 3D headset.
A key selling point of the launch is the ability to play PS5 or PS4 games via streaming on mobile using the PS Remote app. The controller is compatible with it.
However, you need a very stable internet connection for this – otherwise you may experience unpleasant stuttering on the mobile phone, especially when playing online games.
In addition to the PS remote app games, the controller should also work with games from the App Store. Games such as Genshin Impact, Diablo Immortal or Call of Duty: Mobile are listed as examples.
In addition, other streaming services such as Google Stadia or Nvidia GeForce Now should also work – they are listed on the official backbone page.
The controller is also powered by the iPhone. So you don’t need to charge it – you just have to pay attention to the battery of the mobile phone. The cell phone is connected via a Lightning connector.
Other features include a capture function and button for screenshots and videos, a collapsible design, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Which features are missing?
The first thing that stands out is the lack of Android support. According to the current status, the controller is only iPhone-compatible.
In addition, the controller is quite different from the DualSense, even if the design is reminiscent of it. For example, you don’t have the usual, parallel stick position from the PlayStation, but offset sticks – more like an Xbox controller. The D-Pad isn’t the same as the DualSense either, and the PS home button is missing.
In addition, the announcement does not speak of rumble functions or similar features. However, the DualSense sets itself apart from other controllers precisely because of the haptic feedback and the adaptive triggers.
Can you do something with the controller? Or is that not for you? If so, here are some good mobile games you could try.