Nothing makes playing advanced games on an iPhone better than a Backbone game controller. Clip one to your phone, and it basically turns the handset into a mobile gaming console, ready to play wherever you go.
There are many top-quality first-person shooters and RPGs available for iPhone. Don’t waste your time playing these great games with just a touchscreen. Get a Backbone One or a Backbone Pro controller and snap it onto your iPhone. You’ll be glad you did.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
Backbone controller: Make your iPhone act like a game console
If you’ve tried mobile gaming using only a touchscreen, it’s entirely possible that you quit in disgust. Keeping your fingers constantly in the right spots to move and shoot grows very frustrating. And AAA games include so many controls that you need more than just your thumbs to play properly.
Besides, when playing games on your console or PC, you don’t put your hands on the screen to control your character — you use a controller. You can enjoy that same experience when gaming on your iPhone with a Backbone controller.
These iPhone accessories wrap the familiar feel of a physical game controller around the phone. They give you access to the traditional sticks, triggers, D-pad … everything. The phone supplies the screen, so you don’t need to lug around a PC or a console.
I’ve spent more hours than I can count with an Xbox or PlayStation controller in my hands, and a Backbone controller feels very much the same. On both the One and the Pro models, all the buttons, sticks and triggers are just where my fingers expect them to be. And the response time is excellent — I never have problems with lag.
Using a Backbone controller works wonders with many console-quality games you can play on iPhone. The list of great titles includes Fortnite, of course, but also Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, multiple entries from the Resident Evil series, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and many more.
Backbone One or Backbone Pro? Get the right Backbone controller for your iPhone.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Backbone One (USB-C) is the base model, but it still offers everything needed to enjoy AAA games on any recent iPhone. It plugs into the iPhone’s USB-C port and puts the controls on either side of the display so you’re ready to have fun, whether you’re in the break room at work, between classes, on the bus or plane … wherever.
I highly recommend it to gamers who don’t want to be stuck at home — read my Backbone One controller review to see why.
The Backbone One (USB-C) lists for $99.99. Make sure you get the second-generation version.
Purchase it from: Amazon or Backbone
Backbone One (USB-C) game controller adds real buttons, sticks and triggers to the newest iPhone models, and Androids too.
- Controls are always responsive.
- Slim and light design
- Can adapt to iPhone cases
- Grips are practically nonexistent
Note: Those with an older iPhone with a Lightning port can pick up the previous version Backbone One with Lightning connector from Amazon.
Backbone Pro takes gaming up a level
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The basic Backbone One definitely enhances your iPhone gaming, but Backbone Pro controller goes above and beyond with tri-mode connectivity. Yes, you can attach it to your handset, but it can also connect to your Mac or iPad via cable or Bluetooth. Support for more computers means more fun.
Plus, it adds remappable rear buttons to the Backbone One’s standard mix of sticks, triggers, D-pad and more.
I love mine — read my Backbone Pro review to see why.
The Backbone Pro is a premium product, so it lists for $169.99.
Buy it from: Amazon or Backbone
Backbone Pro is built for players who demand more — more precision, more comfort, more freedom. Designed with full-sized ALPS joysticks, rear buttons, and a larger ergonomic shape, it delivers pro-level control for every session.
- Packed with premium features
- Functional but also comfortable to hold
- Designed for handsets but can also be used with tablets, laptops and more
- Expensive
