Backbone One USB-C game controller adds real buttons, sticks and triggers to the newest iPhone models, and Androids too.
This is second-generation version of the wrap-around gaming accessory that’s beenupdated, to better fit handsets in protective cases.
I really enjoyed testing the controller out with the iPhone 15 Plus. It lived up to my high expectations.
Backbone One USB-C review
The best game console is the one you have with you. Your Xbox isn’t much use if it’s at home and you’re on the bus or in the office break room.
That’s where the Backbone One shines. Connect it to your iPhone and you’re ready to play the AAA games now anvailable for Apple’s latest top-tier handset. It’s also great for advanced games available through Apple Arcade and cloud-streaming services.
Most of these are frustrating to play with on-screen controls. Fingers slip too easily off virtual controls. The point of gaming is to have fun, and an external game controller makes playing games on your iPhone more enjoyable.
I’m testing the USB-C version that was released in late 2023, and there’s also an updated Lightning version from this spring with the same design changes.
- Like Joy-Con for iPhone
- Actual, physical controls
- Let’s do some gaming
- Don’t miss the bonus ports
- Backbone One USB-C final thoughts
- Pricing
- Comparable products
Like Joy-Con for iPhone
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
One way to think of the design of Backbone One is to chop an Xbox controller in half and insert an iPhone holder in the middle. But this one is 6.9 inches wide, 3.7 inches tall, 1.3 inches thick and 0.3 pounds, which makes it considerably more portable than Microsoft’s version.
The game controller telescopes to fit a range of handset sizes. My iPhone 15 Plus fits in easily.
And this second-generation model has a modified design with removable, swappable adapters that let you clip your handset in “naked” or in a case. The case can’t be too thick, but I tested it with my Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case with MagSafe and had no problems gaming. That’s not possible with the first-gen version.
With a USC-C connector, just plug any iPhone 15 series model (or many Androids) into the controller and you’re immediately ready to game. You don’t have to fiddle with Bluetooth. The downside is the accessory can’t be used with older iPhones with a Lightning port. (There’s a version for those, though as noted.)
Actual, physical controls
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Backbone One USB-C has buttons, sticks and triggers arranged the way Microsoft does… nearly. The left-side D-pad and the left stick aren’t lined up but neither are they as angled as an Xbox controller. The same goes for the controls on the right side. And the two triggers aren’t as offset from the bumpers as I’m used to.
None of this affects playability. Not to me, anyway. While the buttons, sticks, etc. aren’t exactly where my fingers expect them to be after many hours of using a Xbox controller, they’re close enough. I never found myself fumbling for them – my hands adjusted immediately.
Before I comment on the usability of the various buttons, I want to say that the Backbone One is enormously easier to use than on-screen buttons. But nothing is perfect.
The ABXY buttons are wonderfully clicky, but the D-pad is just a bit harder to press than I like. Backbone talks about a “reshaped D-pad” in this second-generation model but I can’t feel a difference.
The two sticks are good, with a decent amount of travel, though less than I’m used to.
Unlike a regular Xbox controller, there are almost no handgrips. I miss them on long playing sessions. But all-in-all, the iPhone game controller is comfortable to hold and easy to use.
Let’s do some gaming
When Apple unveiled the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max in autumn 2023, it talked up the cutting-edge capabilities of the A17 processor. To show off the potential, the company announced that Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4, Death Stranding and Assassin’s Creed Mirage would all be introduced for the latest top-tier iPhone. The first three are already available, and the final one launches in early June.
These were originally designed to be played with a game controller — like Backbone One USB-C — and one is highly recommended for the mobile versions, too.
Those titles aren’t the only options, of course. Not even close. I started testing the game controller with the classic versions of DigDug and The Legend of Zelda thanks to the new Delta emulator. Then I played some Diablo Immortal.
Because most Apple Arcade games support external controllers, I played some Oceanhorn 2 — the best RPG on Apple’s gaming service.
Cloud gaming is a brilliant way to bring top-quality games to iPhone. As part of my testing, I logged into Amazon Luna and went through a couple of levels of Lego Star Wars III: Clone Wars.
With all of these, Backbone One USB-C performed perfectly. There were never problems with any of the buttons, sticks and triggers.
Don’t miss the bonus ports
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
High-end gaming is usually a drain on the handset’s battery. Backbone One includes a USB-C port on one of the grips so you can plug in a changing cable while you play.
On the other grip is a 3.5mm audio jack. This is convenient if you’re not using AirPods and you don’t want to make everyone around you listen to your game.
Backbone One USB-C final thoughts
The previous version of Backbone One was the top dog of clip-on iPhone controllers. The second-generation USB-C version builds on that. It’s slim and light, and the controls are always responsive.
Even better, it’s been redesigned so you might not have to remove your case (depending on size) when it’s time to play.
★★★★★
On the other side of the coin, the grips are practically nonexistent. There are more ergonomic options.
Pricing
The updated Backbone One USB-C costs $99.99. Make sure you’re getting the second-generation model.
Buy it from: Backbone or Amazon
A Lightning version of the game controller is available from Backbone and Amazon.
Comparable products
Remember those more ergonomic options I mentioned? There’s no better example that GameSir G8 Galileo. It has the same basic design as Backbone but with full-size grips so it’s more comfortable for long playing sessions.
If you want something even more portable, take a look at my review of Turtle Beach Atom.
Backbone provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.
