Five Reasons NOT to Buy a Backbone! 

I liked your critical perspective. I am very tired of RU-vidrs failing to mention negative aspects of the products they review (aka shilling).

I can't believe they sell you the product for $100, and to get the most out of it, you then have to pay $40 a year for an app... It takes a product I'd like to buy, and just puts it as an absolute no.

So tired of every company looking to dig its claws into your monthly expenses.

I absolutely love my Backbone. And you don’t need a subscription to use the device as a controller for other games. Backbone works as a hub which keeps all of the games under one umbrella. You don’t need a subscription to use the controller for PS Remote Play or play cloud games. Also, I have big hands and the controls feel fine. And there are adapters “free” of charge from Backbone themselves which would solve the “wobbly” issue. This is a quality product.

I love mine, Android version with a 22 Ultra. Found one closed box for $50. No wiggle, no giant camera bumps. Love it for COD mobile and Diablo, sometimes stream my PlayStation too. Haven’t had battery issues either, I run native mobile games on Max visuals and can play for hours. 10/10 for me

To anyone thinking of getting a backbone, just get a regular controller and a mount it's the same price, and regular controller is better

Ver 2.0 quietly came out for the iPhone 15 (Pro Max), it fits the phone with a CASE, which was a deal-breaker on the original BB. Trigger buttons are improved, and the updated BB is on sale for $69.99 for Black Friday. Only gripe is the power jack is still "inset" so some USB-C cables will not fit.

I agree with the grip issue. After a short while my fingers start to cramp and go numb. For me it's easier just to pair my ps5 controller. The small sticks are also kind of annoying after a while. Kinda of like holding two short chopsticks to play games.

I’ve been looking at this thing for a while and thinking about it. I don’t expect to replace my 13 Pro Max for at least another year so that’s enough time to enjoy this thing, but that subscription bit is a huge turnoff. That alone actually has me waiting for the upcoming PS5 remote play handheld.

Got a usb c version for my iPhone 15 pro max. Looks like they reduced the free trial to 3 months and the play on any device settings don’t show up when connected to an iPhone.

So you're better off getting a Bluetooth controller compatible with your phone that has a mount to attach it or a compatible controller and use a phone stand/holder. Picked one up with a mount a year ago for like 30$ and works great

I had to replace my backbone recently. Even though i was a day one backer, I didn’t get the subscription waived. So I returned the backbone. I highly recommend the Razr Kishi!

i’ve had a backbone for like 7 months and the only issue i have with it is the troubleshooting with the controller and it sometimes stops working. the second issue you mentioned can be solved with the little rubber thing that comes with it

I do have a question I bought a Backbone a while ago. I ended up returning it and I just recently got a new one. Can I still use and have my Backbone plus or do I have to buy it even though I had already had it?

So which one would you recommend for IPhone (iOS) users without subscription?

just got my subscription for this always love someone giving honest opinions hope to see you continue with the work bro

I have an IPhone 11 and when tried the Backbone controller, it just won’t stay connected, like idk if my phone needs an update or something like that

What games did you play?

I will still get it as my family uses the tv a lot. So having this will be nice to still play fifa while my family can watch tv

what is the name of the game he was playing @ 3:45 because I remember I used to play it but I cant recall the name

What’s the best alternative ? I really like the backbone but I don’t want to take my case off when using it, I’d get the 2nd gen but I have an iPhone 14 Pro so I can’t use it because of usb-c

The backbone is meant for your older devices. Also they have adapters that you can plug in the charger port and plug into your pc so you can use the controller on PC.

I got the D6 off of Temu the grip is about the same issue but I still digg it No issue from the D6 with phone grip And not subscriptions it’s free and stays charged for 48 hours , when disconnected from Bluetooth it turns off compatible with iPhone 13 android I didn’t care to read Only issue you need a secondary app to connect so you may find issues if your phones not updated

As far as the wobble goes, it looks like you're not using the adapter. I have a 14 Plus which it provides an adapter that makes the phone fit snuggly in the controller. It says you need the adapter for 13 Pro, 14, 13 Pro Max, 14 Plus and 14 Pro Max. My kids have an XR and 12 Pro and theirs fits perfectly without the adapter.

Wow, I didn't know about the subscription. Thanks for the information!

So I have owned or bought and returned quite a few of these usbc controllers. Including the backbone.. which I returned. The quality just didn't feel like a $120. I finally found the perfect controller, though.. the gamevice.. it is the only one that is compatible with a phone case.. and includes a fitting system for basically every phone and case combo. So it has rigidity, and if you drop it your phone is in its case so no damage.. it fits my s23 ultra no problem. And is compatible with every service available.

It’s interesting that you didnt mention that you generally have to remove the phone from your case to use the backbone. I was one of the early adopters so i got that backbone+ for free, but the thing that stops me from using it most of the time is removing my phone from its case

Wait... i need to get backbone + to use it with my pc? is it not just a controller for my phone that handles the connection? edit. my phone does the connection too. does it not map te controller????

Many thanks for your video, and yes I was going to get the Backbone controller until I saw a number of videos like yours where I was made aware of the subscription, not good so will look for another controller that does not charge a subscription.

Backbone owner here 1. I have a switch that I put an attachment on so the grips would make the grips deeper and feel better and I also have the standard backbone & PlayStation backbone and it feels completely fine. I love gaming on my backbone 2. It comes with an attachment not seen in this video that comes in the box that makes my iPhone fit perfectly and not wobble around 3. I bought my backbone from Costco for $70 & it came with a $25 PlayStation credit. it’s not this price all the time but you can get it for a better price when on sale 4. I feel like people who buy the the original or the PlayStation model have an idea of what they’re going to be using it for. With emulators now on both android and Apple. The backbone is 10x better than touch controls and if you use it for psp emulation or PS5 remote play you’ve likely played enough PlayStation you know where each button corresponds to

I love the grips because it’s small enough to actually take places. That’s my issue with my other “mobile” gaming solutions. This is just my phone + a thin controller.

I’ve had the backbone for awhile - one of the fortunate users who got the lifetime subscription and all the complaints are pretty valid. I recently did a review talking about it as well. My biggest one though has to be you need to remove your phone case in most cases to use the thing. Like you said that grip isn’t very great and now my phone is even more in risk of dropping without the case. As for the grips - I’ve got small hands so it’s not too much of an issue with me.

do not forget to mention the poorly designed ribbon cable in the main support bar. over time the wear and tear of putting it on your phone will eventually break this controller. the buttons will stop registering correctly and you will then need to ship it in for repair. i got a razer kishi v2 for my fix.

I was gonna get it but now I’m not sure, any advice?

Thank you Sir

I just got a backbone, I’m a bit disappointed and noticed that my phone got hot while it was plugged in when I was playing my game.

is this compatible with tablets (like the Samsung A7 lite) or is phones only?

Hello, what's the name of the first game (1:33) please?

Overall it’s great, it’s just small problems remote have, some games use a lot of Wi-Fi and sometimes you just have to test connection to fix it and you can’t on remote play. They need to allow access to everything

Why have to pay for a service? If you just want to use it for emulation? What features are blocked by not paying for the service? Can you just not use it?

Grips feel fine, especially if you do not have a large hands. What is the biggest issue for me is inserting the phone into USB-c socket. It requires patience and attention so you do not damage either the phone or controller.

All I would want it for is to be able to play my Xbox games that I already have on my Xbox One but on my iPhone. Are you able to use it just to play games you have on your console? And do you recommend it if I am just using it solely for that purpose?

I kinda feel like a phone mount on a regular controller you already own, is the way to go. Because what difference does it make wether you have controllers tacked on the ends of your phone? its not like these things are pocketable anyway.

I just got mine for remote play, wifi connection should be good or u lose connection alot

I bought my backbone about a yr ago, for some reason my charging port doesn’t work anymore & when I play COD Mobile, it shoots on its own. Idk if there is some kinda glitching going on w my Backbone but it’s very annoying when I play MP or Battle Royale bc it’s just shooting my g u n on its own! Smh

Do you know if you can play farm simulator on this? I gave my son, my old iPhone 13 instead of lugging the Xbox around.

I just got one and love it.

Can you play Xbox and PlayStation on this backbone at the same time like switch over devices

Important question… does the backbone work with the razer nexus app?

I bought one today and i absolutely hate it! The feel of the controller the toggles are to far apart i took mine back

I recently bought a Backbone controller for my Samsung phone, and I think it's great! I use it to play the PPSSPP emulator. You don't need to sign in to their account or purchase their subscription. That's completely optional!

I would like to buy a black Backbone, but it's only available in the Xbox edition. However, I want to use it for PS Remote Play on android (sgs10). Does anyone happen to know if the Xbox edition is compatible with PS Remote Play? The button layout doesn't bother me.

How do you have full screen while remote playing games?

Has been working great for remote play! I love it. It does seem like it will break in about a couple months since I use it a lot haha

I was thinking of buying this but the subscription is what is holding me off. Do you have to subscribe to the service for it to work? I am looking only to play this for Xbox Gamepass and Xbox Remote play for iPhone. Can't i just bluetooth the device to my iphone without going thru the subscription service?

Hmm interesting, thanks for the info, I was debating it...

Hi guys, Can someone help me please? I bought a blackbone 2nd gen ps4 version a week ago for my Huawei p20 pro and have no idea how to connect it. In blackbone app I can't do anything, only bring the starting page about connect your backbone. That's it. Can't go any further. Anyone have any idea please how can I use it?

Thanks for points, I will check the other video now. I'm tempted to purchase One, to extend my gaming videos library for the channel with some nice mobile games etc. I've read some comments ppl mentioned using with S22ultra which works perfect which sounds good to me but I still want to hear some news about official Sony "remote play" similar device... Wasn't called Project Q? 😁

My issue is that it triggers moisture detection on my samsung phone every time i connect it

I bought a backbone for WZM and the inability to reconfigure the button layout makes playing so awkward I’m most likely going to be returning it

For the ability to play pc games on it, the type c charger can be used as a link to the pc or laptop, but yes the membership is needed to use for the app, but for me since i dont really prefer mobile pc games i just use a link cable

Does backbone take up storage space or the games in it? Ive been playing genshin impact on my iPhone till it ran out of storage space. So do I need a lot of storage space on backbone? Or does it automatically turn my phone into an emulator?

Can you use the backbone on android phones to play your xbox remotely or play x cloud, with an expired subscription? Can't find an answer to this anywhere. Thanks.

I bought one of these (it arrives tonight) and a Kishi V2 which arrived this morning (yay amazon overnight shipping!) I like the Kishi but it doesn't have passthrough video on the USB-C passthrough port. I wanted to be able to easily use these with my Xreal AR Television glasses but without video passthrough I can't. (I have the wireless Xreal puck, so I might still be able to do it) The backbone CLAIMS to have video passthrough so hopefully it works.

I have a question. You may have saved me from buying one also. But I need a 2nd controller so that my boy and gf can play 2 player games also. Will the backbone or can it be used JUSt as a controller and if so all ps5 games With or without the phone in it. Or should I just buy another controller?

Great review, thank you. Backs my decision to go with GameSir. What is the racing game at minute 3?

As for the power problem...your phone is still getting more hours than a Steam Deck or ROG or something. It's not terrible when comparing to those, but maybe still not as good as a Switch or something. That said, I have an old LG G6, one of the last phones LG ever made. Resurrecting old phones, and having them dedicated to this is easily the way to go.

I did notice there were no grips but honestly the device is thick enough to the point it didnt matter

Something I have been trying to figure out, is how how can I find the list of cloud games? Im a truck driver, I do have a PlayStation, but I’m pretty sure remote play won’t work. If anyone could give me some good advice on this or Point me in the right direction, would really appreciate it

I bought the PlayStation Backbone and within a week the lightning port stopped working ..and what’s up with it ALWAYS saying “Battery is Low, Charge it” or something to that effect even when my phone has a full battery..I don’t get it LOL

Can you remote play without subscription service

Never understood how the backbone could be more expensive than a dualsense

Does it have any delay like normal remote play with a controller bluetoothed or does it negate that?

Also you can just resell the backbone for less, so people who still use lightning based one can buy a somewhat used on for less.

Do I need a PlayStation console to use the PlayStation backbone?

Wait,hold up,back bone don't comes with a battery support?

I bought one recently, and I like it. About the grip, it's true that's nowhere near as good as a real controller or other products, but if you're used to holding you phone, well anything is an improvement, but if you're used to a better grip them Backbone will be a bad experience. What I really hated is that subscription part. When I installed the app it says nothing about it or how much time left I have, I only discovered about it reading the FAQ. And even there it's misleading, it only mentions that X feature is paid on the IPhone FAQ, nothing abiut it on Android FAQ so what's the deal? Android has the feature for free or will I get a nasty surprise 1 year later? But for playing on my phone with steam link, I have been using it daily for the last week.

If you're fine with playing on the smallest green and you get the newer backbone it's not bad at all I bought one at the pawn shop for like 50 bucks here in Alaska and I've only used it three times cuz I just can't stand playing an extended amount of time on a small screen unless I'm playing one of those turn-based games...

whats a good alternative

Quick question do you know if you can play PlayStation or romote play when ur console is turned off?

I’ve been seeing only good things about this 😂. Thank you for this video, I need to outweigh the pros and cons of this.

1:57 I'd personally disagree, unless you need a specific application (or a set of them) for your work and there are no alternatives, there are no essential subscriptions.

my biggest issue is the charging while playing games is terrible .. also the directional pad needs to be able to be switchable

So can you only play steam games if you have the subscription service? Looking for something to play the games I bought off steam since my laptop is broken. The steam deck seems a bit pricey for me right now.

I have the backbone. I don’t use the subscription. And still don’t understand why I didn’t get it, even doe I brought it from target. But I love it. I use it mostly at work or when I’m traveling. I have a iPhone SE so the wobble isn’t a concern for me. It’s better than carrying my actual ps5 controller or console. I hate the remote play app lagging. And also I don’t play a lot of online games because of the lagging. But just to be able to take this small add on with me is helpful because I get bored when I’m out with family or I just want to catch up on my gaming progress. Didn’t know I could use it for Xbox game pass so I’ll definitely be looking into that. That might keep me from having to buy an Xbox.

I bought the razer Kishi v2, and it does not fit on the iPhone 15 pro max due to the camera module, and I think that applies for all iPhone pro max models. So not the best option.

My only problem with it is that you can’t have a case on while you use it

I have heard that a generation 2 backbone has come out, wether it is better or not i dont know

I bought a back bone at my job because we were $17 away from sales and they had the last one in stock for $30

Nice video 👍 BTW What was the cartoon fps game you were playing ???

I’ve used a back bone with in two weeks the left trigger went dead I returned it got a new one abd same thing happened

I have an S23 Ultra and I'm having trouble deciding between the BackBone and Razer Kishi V2. I know you technically don't need the BackBone+ subscription isn't essential. Honestly, if it weren't for the BackBone,+ subscription, I probably would have already bought one over the Kishi V2

What game are you playing in the background? The one that is a shooter.

Does anyone have any recommendations for the iPhone 15 pro max?

Is fc 24 seriously not compatible on the backbone?

What was that side scrolling skateboard game

I bought a preorder had one and two years later it’s started flaking. I’d love to see a V2 with better joysticks and triggers.

I don't use a subscription. I'm playing it on my Galaxy 24 Ultra. Its awesome.

Subscribed keep going!

I wanted to like the backbone controller.. but my palms cramp after some time unfortunately. I bought the PlayStation one for remote play mainly. Sadly I’ll be returning it