BACKBONE ONE Review—Small But Mighty for Mobile Gamers

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I haven’t always been big into mobile gaming, but I totally get how huge it is for the industry overall. It’s crazy how much smarter mobile games have become lately, and now we’re even seeing big-budget, AAA titles showing up on our phones, either built for mobile or through streaming. It’s a big deal!

Okay, so if I want to really get into mobile gaming, a good controller is a must-have, right? That’s why I’m checking out the BACKBONE ONE. It’s this really cool device that securely holds your phone, and honestly, it just makes everything feel so much better – it’s like building a solid foundation for a great gaming experience.

I’ve been testing the BACKBONE ONE for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with it. Here’s my complete review.

Is The BACKBONE ONE Worth $99.99?

Okay, so when I got the Backbone One to test out, it was going for around a hundred bucks. I splurged on the super limited Death Stranding 2 version – the box was awesome and the controller itself had a really cool, unique design. But honestly, the regular version is way easier to find and much more affordable if you just want to get one.

The special Death Stranding 2 edition is currently sold out, but Backbone has hinted that more might become available soon. It’s a beautiful collector’s item for fans, even if you don’t play games on your phone.

Now, to the BACKBONE ONE review.

The Backbone One is incredibly easy to use. It connects to your phone right away with minimal setup – just pull it open, slide in your device, and close it. It uses either a USB-C or Lightning connector, so it’s compatible with most modern smartphones.

If you’re looking to show off your gaming preference, the BACKBONE ONE is now available in designs for both Xbox and PlayStation.

This device transforms your phone into an affordable, handheld gaming system. When combined with a service like Game Pass, it’s surprisingly powerful. Though smaller than devices like the ASUS ROG Ally X, its compact size makes it ideal for gaming anywhere.

BACKBONE has been steadily improving this device. The latest version includes a user-friendly app, quicker response times, magnetic adapters for compatibility with more devices, and buttons that are easier to feel. It even has a 3.5mm headphone jack, perfect for gaming on the go – whether you’re on a train or in a car.

It really is that simple.

I definitely think this is worth the $99.99 price tag. If you’re looking for a portable gaming option that doesn’t cost a fortune – unlike those high-end handheld devices that can be close to $1,000 – this is a great choice. It’s incredibly lightweight, folds up small enough to fit easily in your backpack or even a pocket, and it has a sleek design.

The Backbone One feels really well-built. I’ve tested it by repeatedly opening and closing it and even dropping it, and it held up great. Because it doesn’t have many delicate parts inside, it’s unlikely to break if you accidentally fumble it. Just be careful not to drop it while your phone is attached, as the controller doesn’t guarantee protection for your device.

My only real issue was that my phone case, a pretty bulky protective one, didn’t quite fit inside the Backbone One because it partially blocked the charging port. But that’s more of a problem with my case than the Backbone One itself.

I’d recommend the BACKBONE ONE if you want to game on the go on the cheap; it’s that simple.

Join the TopMob Discord server and tell us your favorite mobile game! We also want to know if you’d be interested in buying the Backbone One controller.

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2025-12-03 18:21