This was posted 7 months 5 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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Backbone One for Android - PlayStation Edition $115 Delivered (or Pickup from Limited Stores) @ BIG W

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Hi team - fell across this while looking into reviews. Normally $179 which is too steep for me. At 35% off, I'm willing to give it a crack.
Note: the other versions ARE NOT on special (i.e. for iPhone or the Xbox versions).

Description from the website:
Backbone One transforms your phone into the ultimate game console. Snap in your phone and play any game or service that supports controllers. Inspired by the look and feel of the PS DualSense wireless controller, the Backbone One gives users tactile controls to enhance their gaming experience on Android. Pair with the PS Remote Play App and you can play your PlayStation® games anywhere with ease. Simply plug your phone into the Backbone One and start playing.

Product Features:

  • Play any controller supported games with responsive analog triggers, tactile buttons, and clickable joysticks for a premium mobile gaming experience.¹
  • Low latency, Pass-through charging & 3.5MM headset jack. Connects to your phone's USB-C port for ultra-responsive gameplay. Charge your phone and use your favorite headset while you play.
  • Works with most Android devices 10.0 and up.
  • The free Backbone app aggregates your content library and game streaming services into a streamlined user experience. Backbone+ Subscription Trial Available Soon: Unlock 20+ app features, perks & in-game rewards. A Backbone+ subscription is NOT required to play games with your Backbone One controller. The free app includes free firmware updates and features to manage your controller.²
  • Designed in collaboration with PlayStation and inspired by the PS5 DualSense wireless controller. Features special integrations with the PS4 console, PS5 console and PlayStationb App like the ability to play PS4 and PS5 games on your mobile device via PS Remote Play. Even install games onto your console remotely so you can play them later. Backbone One is the gaming essential for PlayStation on mobile.³
  • Disclaimers: ¹ Games and services available may vary by country. ² Backbone+ subscription trial for new members only, valid payment method required and continues automatically. Pricing and availability may vary by country. T&C apply. ³ PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. Broadband internet with at least 5 Mbps is required. Users also require a PlayStation Network account. For a better Remote Play experience, a high-speed connection of at least 15 Mbps is recommended using either Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. A phone running Android 10.0 and up is required.
  • What's Included: Backbone One, Quick Start Guide, Safety Sheet & Adapter

Related Stores

BIG W
BIG W

closed Comments

  • +6

    Pretty sure these work on iPhone 15 lineup

    • Is there anywhere that confirms this? I just got the 15 and I was looking at getting this!

      • +3

        Yeah they will work, I got a pop up from my current backbone - this is a link to it: https://playbackbone.com/au/blog/iphone-15-support-on-backbo… Backbones support is insanely good!

        The only thing I would mention is that it might be worth waiting for the official iphone 15 compatible one as over the years backbone have supplied rubber adapters (for free just $5 shipping) to keep up with the iPhone design changes (eg bigger camera bumps) to ensure the product continues to be compatible.

        So to avoid having to use that I'll personally wait until I upgrade phones and then look for a new purpose built iphone 15 backbone

        • I assume 15 lineup includes iPhone 15 Pro Max too. Can someone confirm? Interested to buy this.

    • +7

      another plus one for the EU forcing apple to "innovate"

      • -6

        Except now every mobile manufacture is stuck using USB C. Sure, USB C is the best option now.

        But what about in the future?

        What if the EU clowns had brought in this law 10 years ago and required Micro USB? We would never have had USB C.

        • That's a good point.

          Apple seemed hell bent on keeping lightning even though helped develop usb-c and have it on their other devices.

        • +1

          Wifi, mobile networks, Bluetooth … technology doesn’t cease to improve just because they’re an industry standard.

          The EU ruling allows for the law to follow the latest technology.

          • @alcadive: Comparing apples to potatos. Those are communication standards based on limited finite band frequencies, an issue that doesnt exist in enclosed wired systems.

        • +2

          erm, it doesn't specify
          what it says is that it should be industry standard and not a fortress garden.
          It also doesn't come into effect until December… NEXT YEAR

          • @smalltime0: This is not true. The legislation explicitly specifies USB-C and does not give that responsibility to the USB-IF or any other organisation.

            See pdf at bottom of page

            • @MinecraftObama: You know whats great? Reading the PDF at the bottom of the page
              https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-10713-2022-…
              Its a note that USB type C is an open standard, that exists… it doesn't legalise it as being the standard

              • @smalltime0: Thank god I did read it then.

                Nothing I've said is incorrect; the only standard being explicitly mentioned is USB-C.

                Void of mentioning any other ones, Type-C is the de facto standard.

                The directive specifically references standards like EN IEC 62680-1-3:2021 and EN IEC 62680-1-2:2021. The EU directive is based on these standards as they were in 2021. While USB specifications, including those by the USB-IF, can evolve, any changes made post-2021 would not automatically be incorporated into the EU directive. It's the EU Commission that would need to review and potentially amend the directive to adopt newer versions or changes, open standard or not

                The only one who can change that is the EU Commission, not the USB-IF.

        • To put things into perspective, the type c connector was the USB forum's response to the 2012 lightning connector in the iPhone 5. The standard at that time was the god awful micro B connector. It took until 2015 for the first smartphone to get the new USB C standard and even then still didn't get widespread adoption in smartphones until late 2017 - early 2018

          We have the type C connector because of market pressure. Without it, we would be stuck using the Fratelli Sisters of the usb standards, SuperSpeed

          • @MinecraftObama: And yet despite the market pressure, EU citizens were wasting hundreds of millions of Euros on chargers and cables that they didn't need, and contributing to an 11,000 tonne (!!) annual ewaste problem.

            This is why the EU legislated - the market had years upon years to fix these issues, and yet they remained unfixed. Hence legislation to address the failure.

            • @Nom: Yes but having two different cable standards wasnt the main contributor to that issue. Majority of iPhone users were already in the Apple ecosystem and was more likely upgrading from another iphone. They had the cables and were using them. If the cable wore out, you would throw it out just like you would any other ewaste, the more devices you use on one cable the faster it wears out.

              The amount of ewaste this would save is so minuscule it's incalculable or just non-existent

              Bundling a cable with every device was the main contributor which is why most smartphone manufacturers stopped doing it all due to, guess what, market pressure. This wasnt legislated

            • @Nom: Not to mention, as of 2020 the estimated amount of total ewaste produced by the EU was 2 135 million tonnes (There might be more up-to-date stats but this was a quick search, dont think the difference would be significantly different)

              This heavy handed regulation all for the potential of making a small dent in 0.0005% of the EU's Ewaste crisis.

              I dont think this is the reasoning for the legislation

          • @MinecraftObama: Huh? Many of the engineers in the USB forum that set up USB-C standard were Apple Employees. Apple + Intel were the driving force behind the USB-C, and the "thunderbolt" and "lightning" projects were parallel projects at Apple. Apple strongly for pushed the standard on its laptops. The Type C is something Apple wanted to exist, and the design was heavily informed by their work on lightning.

            Apple's legal argument about EU "stifling innovation" is nonsense. Apple can't provide specific examples of innovation. If they can show regulators something meaningful, then perhaps regulators can negotiate it in a meaningful way.

            The reality is that the EU is endlessly regulating the tech giants, and the tech giants are endlessly fighting back. Hopefully arguments are won based on their merits, and in this case that's what happened.

  • +2

    Damn just came to post this

  • +4

    Look and feel of a dualsense controller but the joystick is still in the xbox config.

    • -8

      Xbox config sucks

      • +3

        Depends what console you grew up with, but Xbox config is a little more universal with PC games

        • +1

          +1 I think because the XBOX 360 and later controllers were USB and had drivers. The OG XBOX had readily available cable conversions and driver support.
          Also the config was simply better, I grew up using a PS 1 and a Super Nintendo, the Xbox config is more ergonomic.

  • +6

    Subscription service to use advance features.

    • Hey. Just wondering what this subscription service includes? If one is just wanting this for remote play for their PS4 console on their android phone do you need the subscription model paid ? I'm just after buying a product and it working and not having ongoing fees.

      Other than this the only other one I've heard about is the razer Kishi 2. Or finding one that mounts your phone onto a PS4 controller I suppose is next best.

  • Note: I'm surprised Cashrewards tracked my purchase = $0.42 cashback!

  • Wonder if the iPhone version will go on a firesale soon cos iPhone will no longer be using a lightning port…😃

    • +1

      MyDeal have an offer, not quite at this level but close

      • Might consider getting one for $50 if they’re cleaning out old lightning port stock when iPhone 15 and 16 start using USB-C.

  • +5

    If you're an iPhone/iPad user, you've always been able to connect a PS4 controller and use it via Bluetooth. Smooth as butter.

    • +3
      • +1

        WOW! Didn't know that!

        I personally don't play mobile games and don't see the point in playing PS5/PS5 games on a small screen via remote play, but this collaboration is brilliant for anyone interested.

        • PS Remote Play official app actually came to iphone first before Android…

    • +1

      Also for android. Im able to connect xbox xontroller and play games smoothly

    • While you can connect Xbox, PS5 and Switch controllers to iPad and iPhone via Bluetooth, the latency is noticeable if you have experienced Backbone or Razer direct connection. I can’t go back to Bluetooth controllers anymore.

    • Yep.
      Been using a 8bitDo Pro on iPad

  • Worth getting if one doesn't have a PlayStation?

    • -2

      Yep, you can just run the PS5 discs on an old CD player. 😅

      • +2

        Don't listen to this troll! I mean think about it, how are you even supposed to connect your phone to an old cd player? You can only play ps5 games with this method on older phones that have headphone jacks.

  • +1

    BTW these have small joysticks, i had bought the lightning ones for iphone12 last year and didn't enjoy the small joysticks. But i really like the razer kishi v2 with usb c(on pixal 5), joysticks are bigger on kishi, but if you like switch joysticks you wont find any issue

  • +6

    I picked up a Gamesir X2 Pro the other day, $101 on Amazon (less 10% if you've saved up those gift cards from Cashrewards): https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BD4SNQXR?ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dp…

    Upgraded from the regular X2 and feels very premium, so just another option if you want to save a bit/want the Xbox buttons.

    • Will this fit a phone with a case? I have the Backbone One Lightning version but have an iPhone with a case that needs to be taken out each time I want to use it, which makes it inconvenient for me.

      Just got my 15 Pro Max and it has this case, but was wondering if anyone else has experience with this with a case in general.

      • +1

        I have a poco X3 with a run of the mill silicone case and I don't need to take it off, connects fine with the case on.

    • How does it improve on the regular x2?

      • I like it, ergonomics and sticks feel better, plus the analogue triggers are nice.

        Both are great gamepads so if you have a regular X2 that's working fine then don't need to bother. Mine unfortunately started to have a buggy left stick, got just under 3 years use out of it though so it lasted a decent amount.

  • +1

    Perfect timing for the iPhone 15.

    • +2

      Got the thing and it needs to plugged in to an Android phone to update before it can be used with an iPhone.

  • +1

    Thanks heaps! Have wanted to try myself for a while but couldn't justify the price at all

    Just bought and used my 10 percent off Big W with Everyday rewards extra to bring it down to $103.50 and used some Woolworths dollars I had saved!

  • +1

    Sold out?
    Really wanted this for ps5 remote play

    • +1

      Seems in stock for 3/4 local stores to me still

  • Anyone know if these fit a Fold 4? Found conflicting reports online

    • Max 6.7"
      So for peoole like me with a larger size, its no good

    • Doesn’t appear to be without some mods. Will let you know when it arrives

    • I read it wasn't a great fit due to placement of USB C port and it'd dangle down.

  • +2

    CommBank rewards have a further spend $50 get $10 back until the 27th of September. Unsure if this is targeted.

  • +2

    Mama always said I needed a backbone

  • +1

    Honestly I bought one of these and sold it after like 10 mins of use. Just felt awful for my hands and their paid software after an expensive initial outgoing felt crap. They also sent so many emails, was crazy.

  • Looks like it's sold out now

    • I can still see stock at certain local stores, so probably depends on where you are.

  • My order was cancelled :(

  • +1

    https://www.gamesmen.com.au/backbone-one-android-mobile-gami…

    Looks like TheGamesmen also have it 31% off in case this helps anyone

    • Thanks man, grabbed one from TheGamesmen instead. Time to turn my old Note 9 into a gaming device :)

  • +1

    It might be because I'm a boomer but I find it hard to read some text on games that were designed for larger screens ala Remote Play, Game Pass, etc.

    My phone's screen is 6.55".

    I find Steam Deck's 8" to be just tolerable for text.

    • most games will be 16:9 ratio too so that 6.5" will be closer to 5.2"

  • Picked one up not long ago on the northside in Brisbane. Works well!

    • With? iPhone 15?

      • Pixel 6.

      • Their website states its compatible with iPhone 15 variants with usb-c

  • Quality on backbone is pretty good, and presumably low latency as it plugs in.

  • So you can play emulator games on this

    How does compare to a powkitty

  • Perfect for those who rage quit and smash controllers but whose phones were feeling left out. ;-)

  • +2

    Just pricematched at JB via their phone sales line

  • "playstation edition" but has offset joysticks…

  • Just got notice of order cancellation :(

  • +3

    I managed to snag one of these in Penrith. If anyone else managed to get one, JB Hi-Fi has a case on sale for $9.95

    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/3rd-earth-protection-case…

    • How is the case? Snug fit? Is it chunky?

      • It's chunky, but it's a firm case and there's room for me to stick a charger/flat power bank and a set of wired earphones in the little mesh compartment inside the lid. The Backbone itself is secured inside with a velcro strap. Not worried about it breaking getting knocked around in my work bag at least.

  • My first pick-up order was cancelled. I cannot believe my second attempt of home deliery order is going through this morning. And it is shipped from VIC, wow.

    • +1

      Given that the MyDeal listing is sold by BigW, I wouldn't order it from MyDeal if BigW istself is out of stock.

      • ah good point

  • +1

    They're back in stock, still at the sale price, any way to let people who missed out know?

    • Got lucky thanks to your comment mate cheers.

      Actually went back to $179 today little did I know and only 1x USB-C one left (I’m awaiting an iPhone 15 Pro Max order) but luckily the teenager at the counter talked to his manager for us coz I had showed him the special (browser hadn’t refreshed the Big W site since last night) and they put it back to yesterday’s special price for me 😁

      Then stacked it with a nice little Everyday Rewards Extra monthly 10% off for $103.50 👍🏻

  • Does the USB-C pass through port support video output?
    Eg. Using a USB-C monitor directly or with a USB-C to HDMI adaptor or a USB-C hub that includes HDMI or DisplayPort output?

    Because I assume it only supports charging and USB 2.0 data (otherwise how would it be able to support the play on any screen feature).

  • For those who (like me) pulled the trigger on this, I just returned it at Big W sighting compatibility firmware issues. Even though I was able to update with a friends Android device. My main reason was V2 just got released and anybody who just purchased since iPhone release should see a $30 discount via the backbone app which converts to $47.22. v2 has better case support so your iPhone 15 pro max should fit snug.

    • So the ones sold at Big W are version 1? Damn was gonna go pick one up using my monthly Big W discount.

      • Yeah. As far as I know they would still have v1. If the box says “made for iPhone” & “made for android” bottom left corner then it’d be Gen 2. Otherwise the only other way to tell is under the box in 12pt text says Gen 2. Well worth it though. I went from having to take off a case to now putting in a thicker case than previous. Phone also sits better so it doesn’t feel like the USBC is gonna break anything inside

        • Thanks mate. The big w website shows a picture of the box saying “Works with Android”. Could be just for illustrative purposes though.

          • @itsmehuey: Yeah that’s the V1 option. Thats the one I purchased and returned. You need an Android to update firmware before your iPhone see’s it, but yeah gotta take the case off to play

            • @ExtraSalt: Damn. Guess I gotta look for v2. Would hate to have to take case off all the time to play.

              • @itsmehuey: Yeah try posting in classifieds. You might get some bites on there for a discount code

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