That said, the buttons and sticks are smaller, more to the scale of the Switch’s corresponding inputs. The button designations are the same as the Xbox controller’s A, B, X, Y layout, while its offset thumbsticks similarly mimic Microsoft’s peripheral. A cross between Nintendo’s Joy-Cons and an Xbox gamepad, the Backbone features all the expected buttons, thumbsticks, bumpers and triggers as well as a D-pad. Of course, its premium inputs and ergonomic design further sell this sensation once you’ve snapped it into place. Spend just a few minutes with it, in fact, and it’s easy to forget you’re not playing on something more akin to a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. In fact, it can’t be understated enough just how much the elegant, rigid pairing of the Backbone and iPhone evokes the build and feel of a handheld gaming device. But once plugged into your phone’s Lightning connector, which negates the need for Bluetooth and the latency issues that can come with it, it solidly locks into place. Its namesake, which extends and telescopes between the two controllers, is the least durable part of the device, allowing for a bit of bending and bowing if you play with it too much. This is evident right out of the box, as the Backbone immediately feels as sturdy and solid as a console gamepad. While plenty of peripherals allow you to play mobile games with console-like controllers, the Backbone feels much less like an accessory that slightly enhances the experience and more like a device designed to transform your iPhone into a portable gaming platform. While the Kishi delivers console-quality controls (and comes in an Android variation), the Backbone’s design is more ergonomic, and its app more robust and better integrated. How it compares: The Backbone’s closest competitor is the Razer Kishi, a similarly designed (and priced) dedicated controller for the iPhone. Once snapped together via the Lightning connector, the iPhone and Backbone become a unified gaming platform, feeling much like the Nintendo Switch. If you’re using an iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max, you’ll need an adapter to ensure a snug fit, but Backbone provides this accessory for free upon request. What you need to know: The Backbone is specifically designed for iPhones, from the 6s up to the latest models. There’s no Android version just yet, but Backbone has one on the way. But if you regularly play the likes of Call of Duty: Mobile or Genshin Impact, or use your iPhone to enjoy console and PC games via remote play and cloud streaming services, the Backbone is a literal game changer. Who’s it for: At $99.99, the Backbone One probably isn’t for the casual gamer who occasionally plays Clash Royale on their subway commute. Your CNN account Log in to your CNN account
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