Backbone One PlayStation Edition for Android Review: Elevating Console Gaming to the Next Level

Key Takeaways

The Backbone One PlayStation Edition for Android allows gamers to play high-quality titles on their Android smartphone through cloud gaming.

The controller improves the gaming experience on mobile devices, particularly for high-quality AAA games, with its responsive buttons and seamless gameplay free of any delay.

With the Backbone app, users can conveniently access various streaming services, record and edit gameplay videos, and enjoy additional functionalities such as voice chat and lobbies.

Gaming on the go has been around for a while, but cloud gaming expands the selection of high-quality games that can be played. The Backbone One PlayStation Edition for Android seamlessly transforms Android-powered smartphones into cloud-based PCs that can stream games from PlayStation, Xbox, and other platforms.

If you've ever attempted to play a game with complex mechanics on a mobile device, you're aware that the touchscreen is not an ideal controller. It's imprecise and often overly sensitive, leading to incorrect inputs and difficulty aiming accurately. Games like "Call of Duty Mobile" can be played without a controller, but mastering them with numerous inputs cluttering the screen can be challenging. The majority of PlayStation's game library presents similar difficulties.

Fortunately, the PlayStation Edition Backbone One for Android allows you to comfortably play AAA games on your mobile device. By connecting it to your Android smartphone and using the PS Remote Play App, you can enjoy many of your favorite PlayStation titles on the go. While the Backbone One cannot replace the DualSense or any console or PC controller, it does a great job at enhancing mobile gaming, giving you the freedom to enjoy your PS4 or PS5 library without being tied to a console.

Before delving further into this review, it's worth mentioning that there is also an Xbox version of the Backbone One available for both Android and iPhone. The main distinction between the two versions lies in the branding and the customized Backbone App. In the PlayStation Edition Backbone One, the face buttons replicate those found on the DualSense controller. Conversely, the Xbox version features the same face buttons as a standard Xbox controller. It's important to note that this USB-C model is compatible with iPhone 15 as well.

Backbone One (PlayStation Layout) for Android.

Rated 8 out of 10, the Backbone One PlayStation Edition for Android offers a PlayStation-branded solution for an immersive gaming experience on your mobile device. Seamlessly connect with PS Remote Play and other streaming services to enjoy AAA gaming directly from the palm of your hand, without the need for a console.

Compatible Systems: Android

Connectivity: USB-C

Headset Support: 3.5mm

Extra Buttons: Screen Capture, Backbone App

Weight: 4.9 oz (139 g)

Pros: Zero-latency and highly responsive buttons

Compatibility with PCs, tablets, and Google Chrome.

Backbone app links to multiple streaming services

Easily capture, edit, and share gameplay videos

Cons Smaller button size takes getting used to

Overall build quality feels flimsy

High-speed Wi-Fi required for optimal performance

PS Remote Play requires console to be on

$99.99 at Backbone $99.99 at Amazon

Attempting to Emulate the PlayStation Experience

Jason Montoya

Backbone One strives to attract PlayStation enthusiasts with a design inspired by Sony’s assortment of accessories. The combination of white and black hues and precise face buttons evokes the familiar feel of a PlayStation peripheral. However, the similarities end there. While the Backbone One is by no means subpar in quality, its buttons and triggers give off a distinct third-party accessory vibe.

The small face buttons present a risk of accidental inputs for individuals with slightly larger fingers, and the triggers and bumpers have a fragile feel to them. However, despite seeming to be of lower quality, each input was responsive and allowed for gaming without any delay. I extensively used the controller with combo-heavy fighters and never felt hindered by a slow response time. It would have been preferable to have haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to reinforce the PlayStation branding, but their absence is understandable considering the controller's slim design and mechanical simplicity.

The most significant challenge I encountered, which I also faced while using GameSir’s X2 Pro controller, is the size. Everything is downsized, and it took some time to adapt to the smaller buttons. Nonetheless, once I became accustomed to the Backbone One, I found it difficult to put it down. Zero latency cloud gaming is becoming increasingly common, yet it is always remarkable to play a visually stunning and demanding game like "God of War Ragnarok" on a mobile device without encountering any issues.

AAA Gaming on the Go—So Long As There’s Wi-Fi

This specific Backbone One is designed to capture the interest of PlayStation enthusiasts, with a special focus on the PS Remote Play app, which is available on Android and iPhone devices. It offers a convenient way to enjoy your collection of PS4 and PS5 games without needing to be physically present next to the console, as long as it remains powered on and connected to reliable high-speed internet. However, this can sometimes become an obstacle. While I made sure to always switch on my PS4 when testing the Backbone One, I can envision a scenario where, during a more casual use of the device without reviewing it, one could easily forget to power on the console.

Accessing Wi-Fi and broadband connections is a crucial factor to consider when using Backbone One. It is important to note that these services are not always readily available. In fact, most of the features offered by Backbone One require a stable internet connection. To test its performance in different scenarios, I took my Backbone One along with a Google Pixel 6 just outside the range of my Wi-Fi network. Unfortunately, the gameplay experience was far from satisfactory, with frequent interruptions and inconsistent performance on Verizon's supposedly advanced 5G network. Even when I tried using public Wi-Fi at places like Starbucks or at the airport, the streaming services struggled to provide a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

Regrettably, the mobile controller heavily relies on having access to a reliable internet connection, which is something that can only be guaranteed in the comfort of your own home. Furthermore, it's important to acknowledge that not all parts of the world offer consistent access to such services. This presents a significant drawback for Backbone One, similar to the challenges faced by Sony's PlayStation Portable. Unless you are willing to solely rely on downloading mobile games directly to your phone and invest in a high-speed connection, using Backbone One for gaming on the go, such as playing "Marvel's Spider-Man," may not meet your expectations.

The Backbone App: A Necessary Companion

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Despite being PlayStation-branded, the Backbone One is compatible with any streaming service that works with an Android phone. While it may not solve the Wi-Fi issue, it does provide access to popular services such as NVIDIA GeForce Now, Steam Link, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Amazon Luna, thereby expanding the range of games that can be played on your Android device. The core app is free and grants access to firmware updates, button remapping, and calibration. However, the premium option, Backbone+, is not currently available for Android.

Furthermore, Backbone simplifies the process of accessing these services through its integrated app. Once connected to your controller, you gain access to the comprehensive Backbone app, which offers a seamless experience. Whether on an Android or Apple device, you can effortlessly launch any game from various services without having to navigate through complicated menus. Overall, the Backbone app is highly responsive and functions smoothly, with the exception of a single crash while I was experimenting with the built-in video editor.

More Than a Streaming Service

Backbone developed its application with the intention of providing the optimal gaming companion. In addition to facilitating game launches, the application allows users to instantly capture high-quality clips that can be edited and shared directly on various social media platforms. These clips are not low-quality snippets either. I personally tested the application on an Android 13 device that is two generations old, and I was able to capture and share clips in 1080p resolution at a smooth 60 frames per second.

Should You Buy the Backbone One PlayStation Edition for Android?

If you're interested in expanding your console gaming experience to a smaller screen or a different room in your house, the Backbone One PlayStation Edition for Android is worth considering. And if you have high-speed Wi-Fi access outside of your home, it becomes an even more appealing option. While the buttons may be smaller in size, they are generally responsive and satisfyingly clicky. The triggers could have a bit more weight to them, but it's not surprising that the Backbone falls short of fully emulating the DualSense controller.

Once you overcome the size difference and the limitations that come with cloud and remote-play gaming, the Backbone One offers a lot of fun. The dedicated app doesn't just limit you to PlayStation games; it also provides immediate access to other services like Xbox Cloud, Steam Link, and NVIDIA GeForce Now. Playing AAA games originally designed for larger screens on a mobile device may feel strange at first, but you'll quickly get used to it.

The Backbone One offers latency-free controls, but it doesn't guarantee consistently smooth gaming. Even with a high-speed Internet connection, certain apps like PS Remote Play can still experience lag. Lag was rare when using remote play and Xbox Cloud, but more demanding gaming experiences seemed to strain my phone. However, this could potentially change with the iPhone 15 Pro and future, more powerful smartphones.

While there are several Android-compatible gaming controllers available, the Backbone One stands out as one of my favorites. Although I enjoyed the tactile experience of GameSir's X2 Pro and the Razer Kishi, and could overlook some of the drawbacks of the RiotPWR Cloud Gaming Controller, the Backbone One PlayStation Edition has a distinct advantage thanks to its user-friendly, dedicated app.

Experience Console Gaming on your Android Device

Rated 8 out of 10, the Backbone One PlayStation Edition brings the authentic PlayStation gaming experience to your mobile device. Explore the world of AAA gaming with ease as you connect with PS Remote Play and other streaming services, transforming your Android into a portable gaming console that fits right in the palm of your hand.

Compatible Systems AndroidConnectivity USB-CHeadset Support 3.5mmExtra Buttons Screen Capture, Backbone AppWeight 4.9 oz (139 g) $99.99 at Backbone $99.99 at Amazon