The PlayStation version of Backbone One is now available for Android users
Could this be the rumored PlayStation handheld we heard about?
The Backbone One - PlayStation Edition, the officially licensed mobile controller for PS5, is finally being made available for Android users, reports the Backbone CEO on the PlayStation Blog.
The news comes after almost a year of the Backbone One - PlayStation Edition only being available for iPhones. The announcement about the controller for mobile devices came back in late July of 2022.
"The reception we received when we recently announced Backbone One – PlayStation Edition for iOS has been incredibly exciting", said Maneet Khaira, CEO at Backbone.
"We’ve heard repeatedly from Android users asking for the same best-in-class gaming experience, so we’re excited to now offer Backbone One PlayStation Edition for Android as well."
Much is unchanged about the design of this new version of the Backbone One, which quickly jumped to the top of our best mobile controller list once we got our hands on it. Although no mention of it was explicitly made in the blog post itself, we can only assume this Android version will swap out the iPhone's Thunderbolt connection for a USB-C one.
Plenty of the best PS5 controllers will work for connecting to mobile as well if they have Bluetooth, but the design of something like the Backbone One allows you to grip a phone horizontally in the same way you would something like a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. For Remote Play, this can be an easy and portable solution.
"The colors, materials, and finishes are all inspired by the design of the DualSense wireless controller, including the transparent face buttons", added Khaira.
Sign up to the 12DOVE Newsletter
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more
"It matches the look of the PS5 console, and if you already own the Pulse 3D wireless headset, you can connect it directly to your Backbone One via its 3.5mm headphone jack."
An Android version of the Backbone One has been available for a little while now, although PS5 players haven't had the bespoke benefits of the IOS PlayStation version.
The Android version costs the same amount as the iPhone one - $99.99 in the US and £99.99 in the UK, and it's available to buy now.
The PlayStation Blog post also announced that both versions of the Backbone One - PlayStation Edition would be coming to markets in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore soon, although no official date was given.
Want more controller options? Take a gander at the best PC controllers, the best PS5 steering wheels, and the best joysticks.
One of my earliest memories is playing SuperMario64 and wondering why the controller I held had three grips, but I only had two hands. Ever since I've been in love with video games and their technology. After graduating from Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in Journalism, I contributed to the Scottish Games Network and completed an Editorial Internship at Expert Reviews. Over the last decade, I’ve been managing my own YouTube channel about my love of games too. These days, I'm one of the resident hardware nerds at 12DOVE, and I take the lead on our coverage of gaming PCs, VR, controllers, gaming chairs, and content creation gear. Now, I better stop myself here before I get talking about my favourite games like HUNT: Showdown, Dishonored, and Towerfall Ascension. Location: UK Remote