Backbone User Reviews

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  • Decent software, poor hardware

    Having gone through two Backbone One controllers, I am extremely disappointed with this product as a whole. The software is limited by Apple and all of its stubbornness, but the parts that really matter (the gameplay integration and responsiveness) are there and work well.

    The main failing of this product is the build quality. Springs that sounds loud and fragile, triggers that make popping and grinding noises while dropping inputs; inconsistent yet persistent issues that plague the physical hardware resulting in an unsatisfactory gameplay experience.

    Customer support has been really good by getting back to me and making return/exchanges painless but I frankly do not want to try a third controller so I can hope this one will be problem-free. Once manufacturing issues are resolved and Apple opens up a bit, I could see this being the real deal. But at $100, no option for a carry case, software limitations and a ton of physical issues, I can’t recommend the product in its current state.
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  • First good iOS controller—but App steals the show too

    The controller is top notch. My only complaint is that I would have preferred softer ABXY buttons like on the Switch Lite. They’re very clicky which makes it hard to game in bed with the spouse. BUT it’s seriously so much better than any other controller, and the app is fantastic. That brings the whole experience together and makes you feel like you’re playing on an actual console. There are a few games missing from it like Titan Quest HD and it shows some games incorrectly like Skyforce Reloaded, which doesn’t have controller support. But overall it’s the best way to see what games have controller support. Apple should just buy these guys and make it official because they provide a much better experience than the App Store.
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  • Amazing

    This controller is absolutely amazing I love everything about it, it’s super high quality the buttons are really good and I love how you can both plug headphones/earbuds into it and also charge up your phone without the cords of both getting in the way and putting marks on your hand. The box it came in is really cool especially now since I’ve put my own personal touch to it. I love playing Minecraft with it ( the creeper is what’s on the box, yes I made sure you could still see the logo) it gave me the opportunity to play it with one thing u can’t do without the controller and that’s the pick item ( Java editions middle click) which I love and then I also like playing CODm and Genshin impact the play style is really good and rn I’m in the process of getting more games just so I can use the controller more than just those 3 games. I’ve already suggested it to one of my friends and he said he’s definitely going to get one. I love the app as well I think it’s so cool how you can basically use it like it’s a console in the app that’s just mind blowing yo me. Everything about the controller is awesome I absolutely love and I highly recommend this to anyone with a iPhone 6 and up cuz that’s all the devices it’s compatible with.
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  • 10/5 Stars!!

    Finally the controller that I’ve been waiting for on iphone and then some! Not only is the controller amazing but you get a whole online gaming ui with this app. My phone can now literally be a Switch Pro Lite whenever I want it to be! I’ve owned almost all of the handheld gaming consoles that have come out and this beats them all. The controller feels better than Joycons and I think has better quality buttons and thumbsticks (we’ll see with more use) The trigger buttons are for sure better. Now all I need is Xcloud on ios. Thank you Backbone for this amazing device and app. Also I loved the box the Backbone came in. It’s sleek and funny and I will definitely have to keep it. Can’t wait to see what this company does next.
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  • Good controller but...

    Hello owners of the backbone controller, I’m here to ask you about the controller.
    This controller is amazing I can see how the app and the controller work together as a team and how can this app can make you do reunions with friends and such but the only problem is that I bought this controller online because it says that it should work on the iPhone 12 Pro Max but apparently, in the box it says that it only works until iPhone 11, and I figured that it works only for the app but not the games I have such as Call of duty mobile and Genshin impact

    I Hope you read this message
    Thank you
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  • Extremely cool purchase

    This is already one of my favorite iPhone accessory purchases of all time. The app is what seals the deal. The only thing that keeps me from giving this a 5 star rating is some of the missing features that probably should’ve shipped with the product. Such as a better way to view all games pulled into the app for launching. Right now I have to scroll across a surprisingly long list on a single horizontal row. A simple “expand list” button or function would allow me to see more at once and choose my next game. Even a menu option for a list view page would work.

    Adding games is a bit cumbersome as well but maybe that’s due to apple API limitations. Overall a great first version and I’m more than ok with my early adopter purchase.
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  • Is This Real Life?

    Absolutely PHENOMENAL! Controller feels very high quality in the hand, button are clicky and responsive. I usually hate using any app for a Bluetooth device, but the Backbone app is extremely well executed! Has a Nintendo like feel to it. There is a bit of an adjustment coming from an Xbox controller (for me anyway). Had to make some major adjustments to sensitivity, and my aiming is still sometimes all over the place in CODm. But that’s just a learning curve for me, no fault of the amazing Backbone controller. If you’re even considering this, get on the wait list NOW, and buy is as soon as you can! You won’t regret it!
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  • Game changer

    Absolute game changer accessory and gaming platform. Effectively turns your iPhone into a top tier gaming device. Who needs a switch anymore? The thoughtfulness and execution of the Backbone app cannot be stated enough — seamless to start games using the controller, drop into a party with your friends, record and share gameplay and even discover new games. Legit feels like something Apple made in an alternate reality where they were actually serious about gaming lol. The only thing I wish I could do more with this controller is fly drones, and control cameras in Unreal Engine for virtual production.
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