Backbone — Next-Level Play Reviews

by ItsThisGuyAgain

I plug the controller into my phone and it basically downloaded BackboneNextLevelPlay for it right away. Then the setup needs a boatload of info from you, including your phone number and email address. Why? Then to finish the setup, you have to agree to a free year trial of something called Backbone Plus. If you cancel or back out, you have to start all over. Also they’ll spam you with text messages and emails to remind you that you need to claim your free trial. I don’t like this vulture marketing for something I don’t even want because im still not sure what it even is. You can play without BackboneNextLevelPlay , but I wanted to see if there was a way to tweak some of the settings on the controller such as the stick sensitivity with BackboneNextLevelPlay . Controller seems fine from what I’ve used so far, but the data collection from BackboneNextLevelPlay is incredibly unnecessary and I already regret trying to go through the setup process.

by Yzzerdd

Having a super slick controller friendly landscape game launcher makes the backbone controller even better and a good investment but they’ve locked it around a paywall that almost costs as much as services that gives you dozens of games a year like PS Plus, I understand the social features cost money to host and maintain but the game launching is a killer feature for this controller and they’ve locked it behind a paywall.

Edit:Developer clearly doesn’t actually read these reviews, I know BackboneNextLevelPlay has nothing to do with playing games and that the controller works without it, my issue is the useful game launcher feature that they’ve locked behind $50 a year along with other social features that I’ll absolutely 100% never use so it’s a waste of money.

by Slatex

Instantly wanted to return the backbone considering they make you create an account and give them your phone number in order to use the product. They then try to force you into sharing your contacts, photo gallery permissions, and other personal data. Set up of BackboneNextLevelPlay also wouldn’t allow continuing without first subscribing to their $50/year app. Of course the first year is free, but don’t forget to cancel. The product itself was responsive and worked well, however it doesn’t fit the iphone 13 pro without an adapter. It also just plain feels weird to use, not erganomic. Returning. Moga $10 clip for xbox controllers is much more comfortable and the small latency isnt bad unless you’re seriously gaming, in which case, use your actual console.

by GooieGreen

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.

by Jadosa29

After going back and forth as whether to purchase the Backbone or Razer Kishi I decided on the backbone. Most reviewers pointed to the software being the main thing that gave Backbone the edge, and that swayed my decision even though I could’ve bought the Kishi for a better price. Much to my surprise/chagrin, that wonderful software has an expiration date and then a $50 a year paywall. That’s half the price of the controller! Absolutely insane to ask that much for some minor conveniences. BackboneNextLevelPlay works well enough but be aware of the added cost when you decide to go this route. It’s not advertised or mentioned in any of those glowing reviews. I definitely have buyers remorse but hopefully this helps someone to at least know what they’re buying.

by GameMusicFan

Cons: Ergonomics are like a Nintendo Switch (same orientation, skinny profile, tight positioning of fingers on triggers, etc).

Thumb sticks are low profile with small range of motion, and the springs are mega light, so in a game like Warframe, you’re aiming will be all over the place. I added a thumb stick extender (the taller one), and it helped a little, but you’ll have to adjust sensitivity on your games to not get overly frustrated.

A bit miffed over the change to a paid subscription service of $50/year without any real value. I just bought the backbone and saw it was grandfathered for anyone who had it before November 2021. I’m going to play around with it during the free trial period, but I don’t see myself keeping it considering the game library access I have in game pass… assuming the rest of the controller still works like it should after the subscription ends.

Pros: it works. I haven’t tried much of the functions outside of using my Xbox app to remote play on my Xbox from another room. It works, but the ergonomics are killing me.

by Musick Junkie

Love it when it works! Great device when it works! No latency at all when it works! I play mobile games competitively and for fun. I’ve bought 2 of these. First one, left triggers and left joystick just stopped working. Second one loses it’s connection in mid game. Worst thing when you have someone dead to rights and he smokes you cause your controller stops working. Tried to clean the ports but no help. iPhone doesn’t recognize the backbone. For the price you would think it would work flawlessly. 100 dollars isn’t cheap. I will say backbone has a great team and if they can fix the bugs I’d definitely buy again. For now I’m just gunna go back to triggers or see what kishi has.

by ThaQuiet1z

I would have given this a 5 star rating easily a few weeks ago. Every good thing said about the Backbone controller I agree with however recently when attaching the controller BackboneNextLevelPlay launches the screen grab/record feature constantly! It’s so annoying that once I finally get it to stop I’m reluctant to disconnect because it takes so much time to get to work again! I’ve deleted BackboneNextLevelPlay but it then just constantly tells me that BackboneNextLevelPlay isn’t installed. This is incredibly annoying and aggravating when it kills time I could be playing. When it’s working it’s a phenomenal piece of hardware and easily worth the price but having to keep it attached to my phone in order to quickly play is inconvenient to say the least. Please help

by Lamatius

So I’ve been playing on my backbone one we’re just under two weeks and these are pros and cons that I’ve noticed in my time using this on my iPhone 11 promax

Pro-mostly immediate response, Great visibility and if you’re a COD mobile gamer This controller mixed with using The gyroscope aiming pretty much makes you unstoppable.

Con-i’ve only had one button stick a few times, the analog sticks as well or fairly easy to move around; could definitely use more resistance and/or size options such as wider or higher. I would definitely suggest adding some form of a grip being the plastic can cause difficulties if you play for an extended time. Lastly there are zero back button options for those used to using scuff controller‘s or elite controllers on console.

Overall, this controller definitely outranks most if not all other cell phone controller attachments that exist in my opinion

For those who are used to specific controller styles this one more so represents the Xbox or Nintendo switch type which may take some getting used to.

by Yeager2113

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 BackboneNextLevelPlay as well I think it’s so cool how you can basically use it like it’s a console in BackboneNextLevelPlay 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.

by Etteyafed

The overall manufacturing quality of this hardware is very good. It seems reasonably durable and has a great feel in the hands for such a small device. I’m using this for that iPhone 13 pro max and even with the size issue I have no real issue playing or keeping the device in place. I use Xbox remote play a lot and if you can get a good enough Internet connection it works great. Otherwise I tend to stick to call of duty mobile and F1 Mobile which are also really good.

by Msantiago1256

This is already one of my favorite iPhone accessory purchases of all time. BackboneNextLevelPlay 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 BackboneNextLevelPlay 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.

by Billyfx🛸

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.

by Player3351

Hello owners of the backbone controller, I’m here to ask you about the controller.
This controller is amazing I can see how BackboneNextLevelPlay and the controller work together as a team and how can BackboneNextLevelPlay 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 BackboneNextLevelPlay but not the games I have such as Call of duty mobile and Genshin impact

I Hope you read this message
Thank you

by Mr. TadWick

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!

by JosetheCurvo

I’ve had this controller for a little over a week and I’m THROUGHLY impressed! The price point is a bit high, but somewhat worth it. MILES ahead of any mobile gaming controller competitors. My only request is that somewhere in the foreseeable future I ask, BEG and PLEAD!!! That a parallel analog stick version be produced. All of us gamers are not accustomed to the “XBOX; Ninetendo Switch” analog style controls and it’s a bit uncomfortable for us larger handed fellows. Overall a great experience. Love the ability to really be able enjoy remote play and also be competitive at the same time. Again, though, the parallel analog stick or “remixed” version would be GREATLY appreciated!

by JW78SNAKE

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 BackboneNextLevelPlay. 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.

by JP Adams

I recommend it to anybody who love streaming and gaming on the go the only thing that I was state about this device is the lack of connection either with Wi-Fi or not with Wi-Fi this controller should be compatible to whatever data you’re trying to use one of the flaws that I really have a problem with if the connection is bad it states that on your Wi-Fi connection on the screen while you’re playing the game and it comes on randomly I will say that is one of the flaws that I do not like other than that if they can fix that problem to make the controller stronger with ever you’re using you can use this to stream while on vacation in the long car ride whatever you decide this will change the world of gaming and streaming

by DJ-Keebz

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 BackboneNextLevelPlay 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 BackboneNextLevelPlay Store.

by Bcstonemi

I bought a Backbone One in November 2021. Paired with BackboneNextLevelPlay, it was wonderful. However, less than four months later, I had severe drift down and to the right with the left thumb stick and the d-pad (any direction) triggers a barrage of screenshots. I thought customer support wasn’t responding, but it turned out their messages were going to my Junk mail. However, THEY persisted and made sure to contact me until we were able to arrange a quick exchange for a new replacement controller. Excellent service and BackboneNextLevelPlay /controller are fantastic for mobile gaming.

by Alex Guy Mh

Just too weird for me to support

by Mr Beasttttttt

Mr beast

by GStar1947

Easy on the hands - content and friends make it better than anything out there!

by EPIc Adrian

Very fun wait to play games

by Yeetyetter

From insta

by Tmabsout

Amazing for recording video games

by ChillRalf

Nice

by Davidapro503

Helps a lot now I can talk with my friends and play plus share it’s the best

by Kgktmvxmgd

😝

by Wolfie9282828

Great app

by Gr1derz

Best of the best!