For years, Sony has offered PlayStation fans the ability to play via remote play using external devices. Now, an iPhone controller is set to enhance the experience while taking mobile gaming to the next level
Sony announced this on the PlayStation Blog on Monday. The Backbone One, as the new controller is called, is said to enable “the ultimate gaming experience for PlayStation games on iPhone”. It requires an internet connection of at least 5 Mbps, a PlayStation console and an iPhone with the Remote Play app.
“Hundreds of game titles” include mobile games
In the app, it is possible to stream a game from the PlayStation to the mobile device via a WLAN connection or mobile data and thus play away from the console. The new control element is intended to ensure that the user can experience the feeling of a dual-sense controller via Remote Play, as the Backbone One is clearly based on the model of the PlayStation 5.
But it is not only Remote Play that will benefit from the new peripheral. Mobile games are also compatible, according to the blog entry. Specifically mentioned are Genshin Impact, Fantasian or Call of Duty: Mobile, but the list of playable titles includes “many more” games.
In addition, a separate Backbone app will also be released. This will feature “various PlayStation integrations”, but also a “dedicated line-up of new PlayStation releases and updates”, as well as a portfolio of “hundreds of game titles”.
Battery life and price possible points of criticism
The controller receives power from the connected smartphone. So especially with demanding titles and energy-intensive streaming, the battery life could suffer. However, a connector on the bottom of the Backbone One makes it possible to charge the smartphone while playing.
A whopping 120 euros is the price tag of the controller after release. The Android version of the controller costs exactly the same. Gamers should therefore carefully consider whether they are willing to dig deep into their pockets for gaming fun on their mobile phones. But there is a little treat on top: if you order the iPhone version of the Backbone One, you get three months of access to Discord Nitro, one month of the Ultimate Game Pass and one month of Apple Arcade for free. For the Android version, there is only the Discord bonus.
