Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 11
  1. #1
    Retro Addict Administrator
    My location

    Burger Time Champion, Sonic Champion Harrison's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    16,654
    Blog Entries
    1
    Downloads
    6
    Uploads
    14

    Backbone controller, now available for Android

    Backbone controller for Android Smartphones

    Android_Front_hi-res_rev2.pngBackbone_Shift_Hero.png

    https://playbackbone.com/products/backbone-one-android/

    The Backbone controller was released some time ago. It's a controller that you slot your smartphone into to turn it into a gaming handheld. There are many different makes and models of similar controller, but the Backbone had received lots of great reviews for build quality and support. Unlike other makes it has a companion app to directly sync with the controller, to create button layouts and peofiles, as well as directly integrate with Xbox Gamepass cloud gaming and other services.

    Until now it was iPhone only because it had a lightning port and the app was only available for iOS. This had now changed with the release of the Android version, and the Play Store App to go with it.

    There was another exclusive white version released that swapped the Xbox button ABXY layout for the Playstation symbol button layout to use with PS Plus remote play, but there has been no mention of an Android version yet.

    This and similar controllers that wrap around a smartphone are a great way to utilise an older smartphone when you upgrade. Even 2 year old Smartphones are often far more powerful than standalone handhelds. Great for emulation, Android games and streaming services.

    If you haven't played a classic game in years, it's never too late to start!


  2. #2
    Burn! Hot Blooded Rhythm Soul! Staff Moderator
    My location

    J T's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    'STRAYA (since 2010)
    Posts
    2,054
    Downloads
    1
    Uploads
    0
    That does look neat. Does it have a battery or does it run solely off the juice provided by the phone? Would be neat if it could top-up the phone charge, as gaming seems to hammer phone batteries

  3. #3
    Retro Addict Administrator
    My location

    Burger Time Champion, Sonic Champion Harrison's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    16,654
    Blog Entries
    1
    Downloads
    6
    Uploads
    14
    No battery. It draws power from the phone, but it's meant to only use a minimal amount.

    It would be a cool idea to be able to charge the controller and use it like a powerbank to extend phone life. Maybe the weight would have been too much. 🤔

    Gaming definitely hammers phone battery life. My Samsung S20 normally easily lasts more then a day, but if I do some gaming it's about 2-3 hours.

    If you haven't played a classic game in years, it's never too late to start!


  4. #4
    Burn! Hot Blooded Rhythm Soul! Staff Moderator
    My location

    J T's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    'STRAYA (since 2010)
    Posts
    2,054
    Downloads
    1
    Uploads
    0
    You're probably right, a powerbank would add weight (and) and if it wasn't done well could also imbalance the controller, which wouldn't feel nice.

    Does it have a USB-C input so you can charge the phone from a mains cable while playing?

  5. #5
    Retro Addict Administrator
    My location

    Burger Time Champion, Sonic Champion Harrison's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    16,654
    Blog Entries
    1
    Downloads
    6
    Uploads
    14
    That's a good question. I just checked and..

    "Fast charge via a pass-through USB-C port and listen with wired headphones using the 3.5mm audio port."

    So yes.

    If you haven't played a classic game in years, it's never too late to start!


  6. #6
    Burn! Hot Blooded Rhythm Soul! Staff Moderator
    My location

    J T's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    'STRAYA (since 2010)
    Posts
    2,054
    Downloads
    1
    Uploads
    0
    Clever. Seems they've thought of most things

  7. #7
    Retro Addict Administrator
    My location

    Burger Time Champion, Sonic Champion Harrison's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    16,654
    Blog Entries
    1
    Downloads
    6
    Uploads
    14
    It's also on Black Friday offer today too. 25% off.

    Has Black Friday reached Australia yet?

    If you haven't played a classic game in years, it's never too late to start!


  8. #8
    Burn! Hot Blooded Rhythm Soul! Staff Moderator
    My location

    J T's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    'STRAYA (since 2010)
    Posts
    2,054
    Downloads
    1
    Uploads
    0
    Yes, it's mostly online currently but it is growing. Also 'cyber monday'

  9. #9
    Retro Addict Administrator
    My location

    Burger Time Champion, Sonic Champion Harrison's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    16,654
    Blog Entries
    1
    Downloads
    6
    Uploads
    14
    I don't really get cyber monday as its just the other end of Black Friday with the same deals.

    If you haven't played a classic game in years, it's never too late to start!


  10. #10
    Burn! Hot Blooded Rhythm Soul! Staff Moderator
    My location

    J T's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    'STRAYA (since 2010)
    Posts
    2,054
    Downloads
    1
    Uploads
    0
    I'm sure there will be an extension into even more days soon enough, although I don't know what they will call that. Someone will come up with some ****y name for it, like, I dunno.... um, Techno Tuesday

Similar Threads

  1. New controller imminent. The 8BitDo Pro 2
    By Harrison in forum General Retro Chat
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 10th May 2021, 10:44
  2. Gamecube Controller port LED mod.
    By Buleste in forum 128bit (6th Gen Era)
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 1st August 2014, 08:25
  3. Art and Design DSLR Controller - Android App - Brilliant App to fully control your DSLR!
    By Harrison in forum General Chat
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 19th April 2013, 13:30
  4. NES table controller
    By Demon Cleaner in forum General Retro Chat
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 16th May 2008, 14:19
  5. PS3 FragFX controller
    By Demon Cleaner in forum Modern era (7th Gen onwards)
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 5th December 2007, 18:17

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Copyright classicamiga.com