Review: Backbone One PlayStation Edition

Cloud and mobile gaming is an ever-expanding marketplace. Consequently, it never surprises me when a new controller is released. However, today, I’m looking at one of the market-leading manufacturers in this field. Backbone has long been renowned for its phenomenal products. As such, when I was offered one of their latest iterations to review, I couldn’t resist. The Backbone One PlayStation Edition is something special! Created in partnership with Sony, this is a quality bit of kit. Moreover, the familiar button layout will be reassuring for every PlayStation fan going.

Alongside this, the build quality is something to shout about. With comfortable buttons, smooth analogue sticks, and a strong and robust clamp mechanism, this won’t let you down. On top of this, there is a specially designed Backbone app that enables you to play your remote gaming from one convenient location. Subsequently, this device is easy to use and perfect for gamers that want a trouble-free experience.

What’s in the box of the Backbone One PlayStation Edition?

• The compact packaging is stylish and adorned with the famous PlayStation colours. What’s more, the contents are well packaged and everything can be recycled.
• The Backbone One PlayStation Edition is a fantastic Cloud Gaming device. The controller has Passthrough charging, a 3.5mm audio jack, and comfortable convex thumbsticks. Moreover, the sturdy USB-C jack is strong and built to last. Additionally, the spring-loaded case will hold your phone in place without risk of damage.
• A safety guide explains how to use the device correctly. On top of this, there is a QR code to direct you to the Backbone website.

Technical aspects.

Cloud Gaming focuses on connectivity and battery life. Furthermore, you want a seamless experience that is user-friendly at all times. Thankfully, the Backbone One PlayStation Edition delivers this and much more. The low latency connection ensures that you have no lag or input delay. Accordingly, unlike its peers, this controller is extremely responsive. Therefore, you know that you’ll have a competitive edge against your opponents.

The concern about battery life is a thing of the past. The Backbone One PlayStation Edition has no built-in battery as it relies on your handset to charge it. Now, you may think this is ridiculous, but it isn’t. Why? Well, the power draw is so low that you can play for hours with no concern whatsoever. However, if your phone runs low on juice, you needn’t worry. Thanks to the Passthrough charging facility, you can plug in any USB-C cable and keep yourself going.

Finally, if you own a wired headset with a 3.5mm audio jack, you can use it while gaming with this device. Simply plug your headphones in and the controller recognises the new connection. This was excellent as there was no requirement to play with settings and the plug-and-play arrangement can be mastered by the greatest technophobes.

An incredible app.

I was blown away by the tech spec and the user-friendly approach. However, the Backbone App impressed me more. Once you download this FOC piece of software from the Play Store, you are good to go. You’ll be asked to register an account and create a username. Yet, this is pretty rudimentary and nothing to worry about.

Once you are set up, the app and the device work in perfect harmony. With simple to-identify categories, and the ability to log into Xbox Cloud Gaming, Amazon Luna, Nvidia GeForce, or PlayStation Remote Play, you are spoilt for choice. Remember, these programs require a subscription to proceed. But luckily, there are plenty of free games if you don’t wish to part with any more cash.

I enjoyed a smooth and trouble-free time no matter the service I choose. However, as the Backbone One PlayStation Edition is designed with PS4 and PS5 in mind, it worked particularly well with the PlayStation Remote Play service. As long as you own either console and you have your settings adjusted to be compatible with remote gaming, you can get your gaming fill without being tied to your TV. This is incredible as you can game whilst commuting or when you stay away from home. Word of warning, though, make sure your internet connection is strong enough to enable the best experience.

Build quality.

Backbone doesn’t do things by halves. Therefore, I wasn’t surprised by the incredible build quality! The PlayStation Glyph buttons and the white finish are designed to match the PS5 DualSense controller. Moreover, this device is officially supported by the PlayStation and Remote Play apps. Additionally, there are shortcut buttons to screenshot and video capture your gameplay. Furthermore, the Backbone button activates the excellent app whilst creating a seamless experience.

Where the Backbone One PlayStation Edition falls short is its tight design dimensions. Unfortunately, if you have a large phone, you may struggle to use this device. Alongside this, if the USB-C port is oddly placed, this can make the controller poorly balanced and this can be uncomfortable to get used to. However, this will only impact limited gamers and it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

This to one side, the low-latency connection ensures that you enjoy a smooth and responsive gaming session. The thumbsticks have an excellent travel distance and the convex design feels great on the pads of your thumb. What’s more, the buttons are well-formed and reminded me of gaming with the official PS5 controller. As such, I could comfortably pick up any game and play it for hours on end.

Is the Backbone One PlayStation Edition worth it?

Picking the right controller is no easy feat. Do you go for a low-budget item and hope for the best, or do you spend big and pray for heavenly results? I have looked at the Turtle Beach Atom, the Gamesir X3, the Nacon MG-X Pro, and the original Backbone. Accordingly, each of these devices impressed me for many reasons. However, the Backbone One PlayStation Edition stands out from its competitors.

If you are a PlayStation gamer, you want something that works with your setup. Thankfully, this is designed to work seamlessly with the PlayStation App and the Remote Play service. On top of this, the familiar glyphs and white livery will appease the most hardcore Sony fans. Consequently, I think this will be a hit and I recommend that you buy it here!

_{(More information on Backbone can be found here!)}