Sony and an equipment manufacturer called Backbone introduced a new gamepad that will double the gaming experience on iPhones. The device, named Backbone One, has a button system (cross, circle, triangle and square) similar to the PS5 DualShock, instead of the standard “X, Y, A and B” buttons. It is also possible to play games from PlayStation Remote Play.
iPhone controller Backbone One features and price
Turning the iPhone into a PS Vita-style system, Backbone One draws attention with its design and features. Except for its Xbox gamepad-like analog sticks, the entire design of the Backbone One is reminiscent of the PS DualShock. It can also be adjusted for different screen sizes, from iPhone 13 mini to iPhone 13 Pro Max.
It doesn’t have the adaptive triggers or haptic feedback of the DualSense, but it can connect via Bluetooth to other PlayStation accessories like the Pulse 3D. The Backbone One is also available in Sony’s PlayStation app for iOS, making PS Remote Play more fun to play.
This Sony-exclusive version includes a 3.5mm connector and a Lightning port that can be used to charge the iPhone. The controller has no built-in battery and is powered by the iPhone once connected. Backbone One, which has special colors and buttons, is priced at 119 euros.
There is also the Backbone app to further customize the controller. For example, pressing the orange Backbone button in the app works like DualSense’s PS home button and allows navigating through the menus.
Currently, the company has stated that the Backbone PlayStation gamepad is only available for iPhones. Anck is also stated to have a variant for Android smartphones from November of this year.
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