90
“Magnetic case adapters and a noticeably better D-pad make the second-generation USB-C Backbone One the easiest everyday controller recommendation for iOS gamers.”
Publisher score: 4.5/5 · 31mo ago
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Backbone One USB-C Gen 2
$99 · USB-C Pass-Through Charging / Magnetic Case Adapters / iOS & Android · 2y 7m old
88
Review
Radar
Image credit: Backbone One product image
Editor's Verdict
Our Take
SS
The Backbone One USB-C (Gen 2) is the quintessential pocketable controller for iPhone 15/16/17 Pro and Android gamers. Its magnetic snap-in adapters finally let you leave your phone case on, while zero-latency USB-C pass-through, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a reshaped D-pad make it the most travel-friendly mobile controller.
Sanjiv Sathiah · Managing Editor
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Head-to-head Comparisons
Most positive review signal
“Gen 2's magnetic case adapters and refined D-pad perfect an already class-leading telescoping USB-C controller for iPhone and Android gaming.”
IGN · 90
Most cautious review signal
“By re-engineering the bridge and adding magnetic adapters that fit popular phone cases, the 2nd-gen USB-C Backbone One removes the last friction from iPhone gaming.”
The Verge · 85
Platform specialist reviews
88
“Compact enough to slip into a jacket pocket yet responsive enough for Resident Evil, Death Stranding, and PS5 Remote Play on iPhone 16/17 Pro.”
Publisher score: 4.5/5 · 30mo ago
Gaming & tech publication reviews
90
“Gen 2's magnetic case adapters and refined D-pad perfect an already class-leading telescoping USB-C controller for iPhone and Android gaming.”
Publisher score: 9/10 · 31mo ago
85
The VergeRead review ↗
“By re-engineering the bridge and adding magnetic adapters that fit popular phone cases, the 2nd-gen USB-C Backbone One removes the last friction from iPhone gaming.”
Publisher score: 8.5/10 · 31mo ago
Additional review coverage
MacworldCoverage
Backbone One USB-C (2nd Gen) Review: The best iPhone controller gets better
“Compact enough to slip into a jacket pocket yet responsive enough for Resident Evil, Death Stranding, and PS5 Remote Play on iPhone 16/17 Pro.”
Source page · 30mo ago
TouchArcadeCoverage
Backbone One USB-C Gen 2 Review: Case-Friendly iPhone Gaming
“Magnetic case adapters and a noticeably better D-pad make the second-generation USB-C Backbone One the easiest everyday controller recommendation for iOS gamers.”
Source page · 31mo ago
IGNCoverage
Backbone One USB-C Gen 2 Controller Review
“Gen 2's magnetic case adapters and refined D-pad perfect an already class-leading telescoping USB-C controller for iPhone and Android gaming.”
Source page · 31mo ago
The VergeCoverage
Backbone One USB-C (2nd Gen) review: finally works with phone cases
“By re-engineering the bridge and adding magnetic adapters that fit popular phone cases, the 2nd-gen USB-C Backbone One removes the last friction from iPhone gaming.”
Source page · 31mo ago
88
Backbone One USB-C Gen 2