TechRadar Verdict
The Backbone One PlayStation Edition is a serviceable mobile controller, available in both iOS and Android versions. While it supports PS5 remote play, it feels a much better fit for Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming due to the awkwardness of the touchpad solution.
Solid build quality
Low input delay
Decently priced
Awkward button placement
Cumbersome touchpad implementation
D-pad isn’t particularly tactile
Why you can trust TechRadarWe spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best.Find out more about how we test.
The Backbone One PlayStation Edition is an officially licensed mobile controller that comes in both iOS- and Android-compatible variants. Build quality is mostly great, and the USB-C port means your phone will remain locked in firmly during play; it’s largely a great mobile gamepad.
It helps that the Backbone app is fairly robust and easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly select go-to apps like PS Remote Play andXbox Game Pass. However, while bearing the PlayStation button layout, it’s not a particularly great fit forPS5owners. It’ll do the job during remote play sessions, with impressively low input lag, but I found it to be a much better fit forXbox Series X|S players, like many of thebest Xbox Game Pass streaming accessories, due to one key oversight.
While theDualSenseandDualShock 4bear a central touchpad that’s easy to access, that’s not so much the case for the Backbone One PlayStation Edition. During remote play, you’ll need to double-tap your phone’s screen in order to activate touchpad input. That might not sound too terrible, but reaching a thumb over to the center of your phone’s screen quickly becomes irksome.
Overall, though, despite the touchpad issue and some generally awkward button placement, the Backbone One PlayStation Edition is a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable and decent value-for-money mobile gaming controller.
Backbone One PlayStation Edition - price and availability
The Backbone One PlayStation Edition is widely available at retailers and Backbone’s official store page, in both iOS and Android variants. Both are priced equally at $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.
Backbone One PlayStation Edition - Design and features
The Backbone One PlayStation Edition pleases right out of the box. The sleek, matte white finish matches the default colorway of the PS5 andDualSensewireless controller. The pad rests comfortably in your hands while the triggers, analog sticks, and face buttons are all of satisfyingly high quality.
The same can’t be said for the Backbone One’s D-pad, however, which feels slightly loose and listless. Still, that’s a small blemish on an overall tight design. A larger issue is the placement of the Backbone One’s ancillary buttons. Menu, screenshot, and sharing buttons (along with the shortcut button to the Backbone app) are all awkwardly placed quite far down either side of the controller. On the left side especially, you’ll need to move your thumb a significant distance away from the analog stick, which never feels quite right.
The Backbone One PlayStation Edition also lacks a dedicated central touchpad button. However, the functionality is there; you’ll just need to double-tap your phone’s screen during gameplay. I found this to be incredibly awkward. Having to strain my thumb every time I want to open a map or inventory makes playing games likeHorizon Forbidden WestandRatchet and Clank: Rift Aparta significant chore compared to on console.
This isn’t an issue forXbox Game Passgames viaXbox Cloud Gaming, which makes the Backbone One PlayStation Edition, ironically, a better fit for Microsoft’s subscription service. Separate touchpad buttons on, say, the rear of the controller, would’ve been a welcome addition, too.
Rounding out the controller’s design aspects are a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C port. Both are great to have, and the latter means you can charge your phone while playing.
Backbone One PlayStation Edition - performance
As hinted above, the Backbone One PlayStation Edition performs solidly, with impressively little input lag during both cloud streaming and remote play. To an extent, your mileage here will vary based on the strength of your internet connection (remote play also requires Wi-Fi) but the overall experience was surprisingly smooth.
Naturally, there will be a degree of input delay when streaming games to your phone, and I won’t say the experience is entirely seamless. I did struggle to swiftly input more complex button inputs inStreet Fighter 6,for example, when played via PS Remote Play. But for games that require relatively fewer inputs likeGran Turismo 7,orStardew Valley,you’ll get a perfectly serviceable play session when you’re handheld with the Backbone One PlayStation Edition.
Should you buy the Backbone One PlayStation Edition?
Buy it if…
You’re not on a budgetThe Backbone One won’t break the bank at the sub $100 / £100 mark.
You’re after versatilityThe controller’s Backbone app provides shortcuts to Xbox Game Pass, PS Remote Play, and controller-supporting Apple Store or Google Play titles.
Don’t buy it if…
The touchpad functionality puts you offUsing the Backbone One for PS Remote Play is tricky, largely thanks to the double-tap touchpad setup.
You’d prefer a more feature-rich controllerThe Backbone One simply does what it says on the tin and little else. The Backbone app is nice for accessing shortcuts, but the device isn’t particularly customizable.
How we tested the Backbone One PlayStation Edition
I tested the Backbone One PlayStation Edition with mySamsungGalaxy S21 Ultra to play a range of games across PS5 Remote Play, Xbox Game Pass, andGoogle Playover the course of a couple of weeks.
The games I played spanned a variety of genres and sizes, from smaller indies likeHollow KnightandStardew Valleyto larger-scale titles likeGran Turismo 7,Halo Infinite,andFinal Fantasy14 Online.
If you’re after a new pad for the main consoles then check out our picks for thebest PS5 controllers,best Xbox controllers, andbest Nintendo Switch controllers.
Rhys is TRG’s Hardware Editor, and has been part of the TechRadar team for more than two years. Particularly passionate about high-quality third-party controllers and headsets, as well as the latest and greatest in fight sticks and VR, Rhys strives to provide easy-to-read, informative coverage on gaming hardware of all kinds. As for the games themselves, Rhys is especially keen on fighting and racing games, as well as soulslikes and RPGs.
England vs Australia live stream: how to watch 2024 rugby union Autumn International online from anywhere
Trying to get the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU? It seems only scalpers have it and they’re jacking up the price
Google puts Nvidia on high alert as it showcases Trillium, its rival AI chip, while promising to bring H200 Tensor Core GPUs within days
