Backbone Controller App Adds Premium Service

The Backbone iOS app, which is made to be paired with the Backbone One controller, now offers a premium version for subscribers. Backbone+ adds a host of additional features in the app for $49 USD per year. If you already purchased a Backbone or created a Backbone app account, though, you may already have access.

With the update as detailed on the Backbone site, you can use your Backbone controller to play on other screens like a PC, Mac, or iPad by connecting them with a USB cable. The company notes that it has optimized the latency for each device, and works with cloud-based services like Google Stadia and Xbox's cloud gaming.

The app's game sharing and recording tools have gotten an upgrade, now supporting 1080p at 60fps game recording, and a shortcut Smart Record to capture the last 15 seconds with a button press. It also supports Twitch streaming, and uses iOS 15 Gaming Mode support to turn off all but the most important notifications while you're playing games. The app itself has also been updated to integrate services like Xbox Cloud Gaming alongside native iOS games.

If you created a Backbone account before October 22, you already have a free lifetime Backbone+ membership. (And, for some reason, a Backbone NFT.) Those who purchase a new Backbone devices will get a year of Backbone+ included as well. After that year, you'll be billed at the annual rate. Backbone also promises the standard, non-premium app will continue to install updates and remain compatible with future iOS versions.

In GameSpot's Backbone One review, I noted that the combination of well-made hardware and software gave the whole experience a cohesive, unified feeling similar to a dedicated handheld like the Nintendo Switch.