Backbone One

The Backbone One controller was designed in collaboration with Astro Studios. The controller is operated by inserting an compatible device between the two handles of the device and connecting to the Lightning connector (for iPhone models featuring that connector) or the USB-C port (for Android devices and later iPhone models).{{Cite web|last=Frushtick|first=Russ|date=2021-03-04|title=The Backbone iOS controller recreates the Switch experience for PlayStation and Xbox|url=https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2021/3/4/22312193/backbone-one-controller-review-ios-iphone-remote-play-review-impressions-hands-on|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Polygon|language=en}} The Lightning connector version is supported by models from the iPhone 6S on and running iOS 13 or later.{{Cite web|title=Backed by Mr. Beast and Nadeshot, Backbone One could finally crack mobile gaming|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/27/with-backing-from-mr-beast-and-nadeshot-backbone-one-could-finally-crack-competitive-mobile-gaming/|access-date=2021-04-27|website=TechCrunch|date=27 October 2020 |language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084331/https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/27/with-backing-from-mr-beast-and-nadeshot-backbone-one-could-finally-crack-competitive-mobile-gaming/|url-status=live}} The Backbone One controller is rated as an Apple-certified MFi controller. Applications from the App Store that support the MFi standard as a control scheme will allow for use with the device. The USB-C model is compatible with iPhone models from the iPhone 15 on, and devices running Android 10 or later, however it is not considered compatible with folding phones.{{cite web|url=https://help.backbone.com/hc/en-us/articles/13658397209367-Which-Android-phones-are-compatible-with-the-Backbone-One#:~:text=While%20we%20have%20not%20tested,do%20not%20consider%20them%20compatible.|title=Which Android phones are compatible with the Backbone One?|access-date=December 12, 2024|website=Backbone Labs}}

The controllers feature a 3.5mm audio jack, which supports headsets with microphones, and a port for pass-through charging.{{Cite magazine|title=The Backbone One Takes iPhone Gaming to New Levels|url=https://www.wired.com/review/backbone-one-iphone-controller/|access-date=2021-06-15|magazine=Wired|language=en-US}} Software functions like screen capture, launching the Backbone app, and muting the microphone are mapped to physical buttons on the device.{{Cite web|last=Newman|first=Jared|date=2020-10-27|title=This nifty iPhone game controller is a victim of Apple's App Store fights|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90568401/backbone-ios-game-controller-for-iphone-like-nintendo-switch|access-date=2021-06-15|website=Fast Company|language=en-US}}

In 2023, the Backbone One 2nd Generation was released.{{Cite web |last=Lyles |first=Taylor |date=2024-03-19 |title=Backbone One Second Gen Controller Lets You Game On your Phone, Without Having to Take the Case Off |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/backbone-one-second-gen-details-pricing-release-date |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=IGN |language=en}} It introduced refinements to the original design, including a refined directional pad, improved phone stability, and magnetic adapters, enabling greater compatibility with most phone cases and larger phones.{{Cite web |last=Altland |first=Rikka |date=2024-03-19 |title=Backbone debuts 2nd Gen iPhone Lightning controller grip with magnetic adapters, new D-pad, more |url=https://9to5toys.com/2024/03/19/backbone-one-2nd-gen-controller-grip-debut/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=9to5toys}} The device debuted with support for both iOS and Android devices with USB-C connectors.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-19 |title=The Best Controller Grip for iPhones Just Got a Major Upgrade |url=https://www.inverse.com/tech/backbone-one-second-gen-iphone-controller-lightning |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=Inverse |language=en}}

Alongside the controller, Backbone Labs released the Backbone app, which acts as a social hub and allows for editing and sharing recorded gameplay through social media platforms. It features a "friends" list and allows players to add other Backbone players and view their online and in-game statuses. The app utilizes rich presence notifications to inform players when a friend plugs in a Backbone One or has invited them to a party chat. Up to 8 friends can join Backbone parties, which function as private voice chat rooms.{{Citation|title=Backbone One Review - IGN|date=9 April 2021 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/backbone-one-review|language=en|access-date=2021-05-04}} The app features the ability to record gameplay up to 1080p at 30fps with a 20 Mbit/s bitrate.{{Cite web|title=Tech Specs {{!}} Backbone|url=https://playbackbone.com/specs/|access-date=2021-05-05|website=playbackbone.com|language=en-US}} Recordings are saved directly to the Backbone app with the option to later edit and share over social media and iMessage from within the app.{{Cite web|last=Grunin|first=Lori|title=iPhone game controller from Backbone sports social and streaming smarts|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/iphone-game-controller-from-backbone-sports-social-and-streaming-smarts/|access-date=2021-05-04|website=CNET|language=en}}

The Backbone One was developed by Backbone Labs, a company founded by CEO Maneet Khaira in mid-2018 while he was a student at Columbia University in New York.{{Cite web|title=Backed by Mr. Beast and Nadeshot, Backbone One could finally crack mobile gaming|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/27/with-backing-from-mr-beast-and-nadeshot-backbone-one-could-finally-crack-competitive-mobile-gaming/|access-date=2021-09-09|website=TechCrunch|date=27 October 2020 |language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084331/https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/27/with-backing-from-mr-beast-and-nadeshot-backbone-one-could-finally-crack-competitive-mobile-gaming/|url-status=live}} Khaira started the company to develop a more cohesive way to play games on mobile platforms.{{Cite web|last=Newman|first=Jared|date=2020-10-27|title=This nifty iPhone game controller is a victim of Apple's App Store fights|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90568401/backbone-ios-game-controller-for-iphone-like-nintendo-switch|access-date=2021-09-10|website=Fast Company|language=en-US}}

In March 2021, Backbone partnered with Nvidia to certify Backbone One as a recommended controller for their cloud gaming service GeForce Now.{{Cite web|last=Community|first=GeForce NOW|date=2021-03-04|title=GFN Thursday: Loop Hero, Disgaea PC and More {{!}} NVIDIA Blog|url=https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/2021/03/04/geforce-now-thursday-mar-4/|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The Official NVIDIA Blog|language=en-US}}

In June 2021, the company partnered with Microsoft to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to iOS devices.{{Cite web|date=2021-06-28|title=Expanding Designed for Xbox Mobile Accessories to iOS Devices|url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2021/06/28/expanding-designed-for-xbox-mobile-accessories/|access-date=2021-09-10|website=Xbox Wire|language=en-US}} The Backbone One controller was added to the "Designed for Xbox" partner hardware program and was made available for purchase through the Microsoft Store. The Backbone One was also bundled with a 3-month trial of Xbox Game Pass.{{Citation|title=Xbox Game Pass Comes to Backbone One, Includes 3 Months For New Users - IGN|date=28 June 2021 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-game-pass-comes-to-backbone-one-includes-3-months-for-new-users|language=en|access-date=2021-09-10}} Backbone updated the Backbone app to feature several Xbox integrations and official "Made for Xbox" branding was added to the packaging.{{Cite web|title=Hit iPhone controller Backbone One scores Xbox Game Pass partnership at xCloud's iOS launch today|url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/28/hit-backbone-iphone-controller-scores-xbox-game-pass-partnership-at-xclouds-ios-launch-today/|access-date=2021-09-10|website=TechCrunch|date=28 June 2021 |language=en-US}}

In June 2022, Backbone partnered with Google to certify Backbone One as a recommended controller for their former cloud gaming service Stadia.{{Citation|title=Get 2 free months of Google Stadia and more by preordering the Backbone One for Android - Chrome Unboxed |date=8 June 2022 |url=https://chromeunboxed.com/2-free-months-stadia-pro-backbone-one-android-preorder|language=en|access-date=2024-04-28}}

On July 28, 2022, Backbone Labs and Sony announced a PlayStation Edition of the Backbone One designed for use with PlayStation Remote Play. It features a distinct design mimicking the look of a PlayStation 5 controller, including the trademarked File:PlayStationTriangle.svg, File:PlayStationCircle.svg, File:PlayStationX.svg, and File:PlayStationSquare.svg face buttons.{{cite web|url=https://backbone.com/blog/backbone-partner-playstation-edition-mobile-controller/|title=Backbone and PlayStationpartner to release new controller|date=July 28, 2022|access-date=December 12, 2024}}

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Category:Game controllers

Category:IOS software