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Need help?Do you have a question about the Backbone One and is the answer not in the manual?
Align the left side of your phone with the Backbone controller's left side for attachment.
Grip the right handle and extend it outwards to accommodate your phone's width.
Align the phone's Lightning port with the controller and snap the device into place.
Create a Backbone account using an existing Apple ID or Google account.
Enter a valid phone number to receive a verification code for account security.
Select an emoji/memoji and username for your profile picture.
Grant notification, photo, and contact permissions for enhanced experience.
Learn how to use the capture button to record gameplay and take screenshots.
Discover compatible games and services like Xbox Remote Play and cloud gaming.
Instructions to claim the included 365 days of Backbone+ service.
Access the Backbone home screen to launch games and connect with friends.
Manually add supported games for quick access from the Backbone app.
Launch iOS remote play apps and cloud gaming services via the Backbone app.
Guides for connecting Backbone with PS Remote Play, Xbox Remote Play, and Steam Link.
The Backbone is a mobile gaming controller designed to enhance the gaming experience on iPhone devices. It transforms your iPhone into a portable gaming console, offering tactile controls and seamless integration with various gaming platforms and services.
The primary function of the Backbone is to provide a console-like gaming experience on your iPhone. It features physical buttons, joysticks, and triggers, mirroring the layout of traditional game controllers, which offers a more precise and immersive control scheme compared to touchscreen input. The device connects directly to your iPhone, eliminating the need for Bluetooth pairing or charging the controller separately, as it draws power from the phone itself.
The Backbone integrates with a dedicated app, which serves as a central hub for your mobile gaming. This app automatically detects compatible games installed on your iPhone and allows you to launch them directly from its interface. Beyond native iOS games, the Backbone extends its functionality to cloud gaming services and remote play options. This means you can stream games from platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Google Stadia, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna, as well as remotely play games from your PlayStation or Xbox console, or even your PC via Steam Link. The controller is designed to work with all iPhone models running the latest software, ensuring broad compatibility.
Setting up the Backbone is designed to be straightforward. The process begins by physically connecting your iPhone to the controller. You line up your phone with the Backbone's left side, grab the right handle to extend it, and then align the Lightning port before snapping your phone into place. Once connected, you are prompted to download the Backbone app, which is essential for unlocking the full capabilities of the device.
Upon launching the app, you'll be guided through a sign-up process. This involves choosing a sign-in method, either using an existing Apple ID or Google account. After signing in, you'll need to verify your phone number by entering it and then inputting a verification code received via SMS. The final step in setting up your profile involves choosing an emoji or Memoji as your profile picture and setting a username, which is how you'll appear to other users on the Backbone platform. This profile can be customized later in the settings.
The Backbone app also requires certain permissions to optimize your gaming experience. Notification permissions allow the app to send you gaming news and alert you when your friends are online. Photos permissions are necessary for saving screenshots and game captures taken with the controller. Contact permissions enable the app to help you find friends who are also playing on Backbone. While these permissions are optional, enabling them enhances the overall user experience.
A key feature of the Backbone is its dedicated capture button. This button allows you to record gameplay with a quick press or take a screenshot with a longer hold, making it easy to share your gaming moments. The app provides a tutorial on how to use this feature effectively.
The Backbone app acts as a comprehensive gaming launcher. It automatically identifies compatible games on your iPhone and adds them to your library within the app. For games that might be missed, you can manually add them by launching the game from your iOS home screen and then pressing the orange Backbone button on the controller to return to the Backbone app, which will then add the game if compatible.
For remote play and cloud gaming, the app offers clear instructions. For cloud gaming services, you navigate to the "Getting started" section within the Backbone app, select your desired service, and follow the on-screen prompts to connect. For PS Remote Play, you open the dedicated app, log in with your PlayStation account, allow network connections, and select your console. Similarly, for Xbox Remote Play, you use the Xbox app, go to the Library tab, select "Consoles," and then "Connect." For Steam Link, you open the app, allow Bluetooth prompts, connect the Backbone, map the buttons as instructed, select "Other Computer," and pair your computer.
The Backbone also includes a complimentary 365-day subscription to Backbone+. This service offers additional benefits and is included with every purchase. To claim it, you need to add payment information, though you won't be charged until the free period ends, and you can cancel anytime. Enabling in-app purchases in your iOS settings is also required to claim this benefit.
Once everything is set up, pressing the orange Backbone button takes you to the Backbone home screen, where you can launch games, connect with friends, watch highlights, and explore more features, effectively serving as your gateway to mobile gaming.
The Backbone controller is designed for ease of use and minimal maintenance. Since it draws power directly from the iPhone, there's no need to worry about charging the controller itself or managing separate battery levels. This simplifies the user experience by eliminating an extra charging cable or power source.
The device is built to be compatible with all iPhone models running the latest software. This ongoing compatibility with software updates means users can expect the Backbone to continue working with their devices as iOS evolves, reducing the need for frequent hardware upgrades. To ensure compatibility, users can scan the App Clip on the top of the box, which provides a quick check for their specific phone model.
While the manual doesn't detail specific cleaning instructions, the design suggests that general care for electronic devices would apply. Keeping the Lightning port and controller surfaces free of dust and debris would help maintain optimal performance and connection integrity. The robust snap-in mechanism is designed for repeated use, ensuring a secure connection between the iPhone and the controller over time. The software updates for the Backbone app itself will also contribute to the device's longevity by introducing new features, improving performance, and addressing any potential bugs, ensuring a continuously optimized gaming experience.
General| Pass-through charging | Yes |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Mobile gaming controller |
| Connector Type | Lightning |
| Connectivity | Wired (Lightning connector) |
| Headphone jack | 3.5mm |
| Buttons | ABXY, D-pad, Options, Capture, Backbone button |
| Weight | 138 grams |
| Features | Ergonomic design, low-latency connection |
| App Integration | Backbone App |
| Material | Plastic |
| Compatibility | iPhone (Lightning connector models) |
