If you’re a serious mobile gamer, odds are you’re well familiar with Backbone’s popular handheld controller. While this is great for running Apple Arcade games, it’s about time someone made a device dedicated to PlayStation Remote Play. To no surprise, Backbone is that someone and its sleek, Sony-certified controller is perfect for PS5 owners.
While the San Francisco-based brand’s original rendition worked seamlessly with XBOX consoles, this is the first version geared toward Microsoft’s primary gaming competitor. Moreover, the new take on the mobile controller was designed in collaboration with PlayStation, so it features all the authentic elements of a DualShock (or DualSense), right down to the accurate buttons. Aside from these signature details, all the handy bells and whistles mirror the original Backbone, like the built-in Lightning port and 3.5mm headphone jack.
Gameplay-wise, the redesigned controller is ideal for utilizing Sony’s innovative Remote Play tech. Thanks to its ergonomic grip and a familiar array of buttons, it is a much better alternative than operating the app using your smartphone’s touchscreen. And although it hasn’t been unveiled fully yet, the gaming giant plans on adding more mobile games to its catalog in the next few years, so this device will prove its worth over time. Lastly, it’s made to operate with any iPhone, meaning there’s no need to worry about upgrading your device.
If you’ve been spending too much time on the couch playing Stray or Elden Ring, this is the best way to turn off the TV… and keep playing them on the go. The Backbone One PlayStation Edition is available now for $100.
