PlayStation has announced Backbone One, an officially licensed handheld controller in partnership with Backbone. The controller has been designed for iPhone users and allows users to play PlayStation titles through PS Remote Play.
The Backbone One is styled after the DualSense controller from the style of the triggers and the monochromatic buttons. It is powered by the iPhone so charging it is “not required” and can apparently be used with the Pulse 3D headset. Users need to have a PS4 or PS5, the PS Remote Play App, and a PlayStation Network account to use it and stream games.
In an interview with Digital Trends, Maneet Khaira founder and CEO at Backbone talked about what players can expect exactly from the design of the Backbone One.
“Ergonomics and weight is always top of mind because we know that our players want a certain level of immersion in game when playing in the handheld form factor,” he explained. It was also said that Backbone conducted “extensive ergonomic evaluations” and “consulted with multiple experts in usability and human factors” when designing the controller.
The PlayStation Backbone One controller has smaller form factors, which means “it does not feature the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in the DualSense.” he said. “Our goal wasn’t to mirror the features of the DualSense, it was to create the gaming essential for PlayStation on mobile while feeling at home within the PS5 lineup.”
In addition, the Backbone One also works with other App Store games, allowing users to play non-PlayStation titles available on iPhone. Those wanting it for their console counterpart will find the Backbone App updated with “various PlayStation integrations” and a row to highlight new updates and releases.
