Backbone One Gaming Controller for iPhone (Xbox Edition) reviews

If you’re after a good quality and well supported phone controller, this is it. The only downside is the Xbox cloud gaming beta is currently not active in NZ so you’ll need an Xbox if you want to use Xbox remote. Not a big issue as plenty of controller supported games now on App Store and Apple Arcade.

It's a good wee unit which makes playing mobile games so much easier (you will dominate in games like Call of Duty Mobile) but it has a few limitations; it's not as ergonomic as it could be and it's pretty expensive given what else is available on the market (including an Elite Series 2 Xbox Controller). The pros; It connects via the lightning port so there is no input lag or dropped connection and it is compatible with Xbox remote play and cloud gaming. The Apps has some cool features which makes your iPhone like a little mini Xbox but it’s a wee bit gimmicky and not required to use the device. It runs off the phone’s battery so you don’t need to charge it interpedently and it has a lightning port on the right grip for passthrough charging of your iPhone. There is a headphone jack on the left grip if you haven’t got Bluetooth headphones. The cons; You CANNOT use the Backbone with a case attached so you have to take your phone out of its case each time you want to use it; if you have a Pro model iPhone you need an adaptor to stop the camera bump from rubbing against the spine of the device (which Backbone will send you for free if you pay $5 shipping). The thumb sticks work as well as any other standard controller but they are not offset horizontally from the other buttons like Xbox and PS controllers, which can make switching between to the D-pad or buttons a bit awkward. Hopefully this is the version 1 of the Backbone with a new, upgraded model to follow. If they could replicate the layout and grip shape of the Xbox Elite controllers more closely, including the addition of back paddle buttons then they’d be on to a winner. Allowing for phone cases also needs to be a consideration; I’m sure some optional attachments/a­daptors to fit thicker devices, even a lightning to USB-C adaptor for android wouldn’t be too difficult to design.

Really good unit for an iPhone. Work with most games and flawlessly with MFI capable games. Even works with Steam Link! Just not the Final Fantasy iOS games. Super comfortable though it’s a tight fit for the 12ProMax due to the extra lens

I would recommend this device the only issue is that the Stadia gaming is not available in new Zealand so you can only use it to stream your Xbox/ps or use the apple store also it’s $80 dollars a year but your first year is free