Mobile gaming has reached new heights with the introduction of Backbone, a premium controller that transforms smartphones into powerful gaming devices. While many know Backbone for its mobile gaming capabilities, it’s also possible to use it for playing PlayStation 5 games through Remote Play.
The ability to stream PS5 games to a mobile device with Backbone opens up exciting possibilities for gamers who want to enjoy their favorite titles anywhere. Whether it’s playing God of War Ragnarök during a lunch break or continuing a Horizon Forbidden West session while traveling, the combination of PS5 and Backbone creates a seamless gaming experience that wasn’t possible before.
What Is the Backbone Controller
The Backbone Controller transforms smartphones into advanced gaming devices through its precise control system and ergonomic design. The controller connects directly to smartphones via the Lightning port for iPhone models or USB-C for Android devices, eliminating input lag associated with Bluetooth connections.
Key features of the Backbone Controller include:
- Clickable analog thumbsticks for precise character movement control
- Responsive face buttons (A B X Y) matching console controller layouts
- L1/R1 bumpers and L2/R2 analog triggers for variable input
- Dedicated screenshot button for capturing gaming moments
- Built-in 3.5mm headphone jack for audio connectivity
- Pass-through charging port for extended gaming sessions
The controller’s specifications include:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 138g |
| Length | 180mm |
| Height | 92mm |
| Connectivity | Lightning/USB-C |
| Latency | <20ms |
| Battery Requirement | None (powered by phone) |
The Backbone One integrates with a companion app that organizes games from multiple platforms into one interface. This app enables features like:
- Cross-game voice chat with other Backbone users
- Game recordings storage and sharing
- Remote Play compatibility settings
- Firmware updates and controller customization
- Game discovery based on player preferences
The controller supports multiple gaming services including PlayStation Remote Play Xbox Cloud Gaming Apple Arcade Google Stadia native iOS games.
How to Play Ps5 on Backbone
Remote Play transforms a smartphone into a portable PS5 gaming station through the Backbone controller. The setup process involves two main components: installing the necessary app and establishing the hardware connection.
Installing the PS5 Remote Play App
- Download the PS Remote Play app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
- Sign in with a PlayStation Network account credentials
- Enable Remote Play on the PS5:
- Navigate to Settings > System > Remote Play
- Toggle “Enable Remote Play” to ON
- Configure rest mode settings:
- Go to Settings > System > Power Saving
- Select “Features Available in Rest Mode”
- Enable “Stay Connected to the Internet” and “Enable Turning On PS5 from Network”
- Insert the phone into the Backbone controller:
- Align the charging port with the Backbone’s connector
- Gently extend the controller’s frame
- Secure the phone in place
- Verify the connection:
- Check for the orange LED indicator light
- Ensure the Backbone app recognizes the controller
- Test the buttons and triggers for responsiveness
- Launch Remote Play:
- Open the PS Remote Play app
- Select the connected PS5 console
- Wait for the automatic connection process
- Confirm the video feed appears on the phone screen
| Connection Requirements | Specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum Internet Speed | 5 Mbps upload |
| Recommended Speed | 15 Mbps upload |
| Maximum Resolution | 1080p |
| Frame Rate | Up to 60 FPS |
Configuring Your Backbone Controller Settings
The Backbone controller offers extensive customization options through its companion app to enhance gaming performance. These settings allow users to tailor their gaming experience for PS5 Remote Play.
Customizing Button Mapping
The Backbone app provides comprehensive button remapping capabilities for PS5 Remote Play:
- Access button mapping through Settings > Controller Configuration in the Backbone app
- Create custom profiles for different game genres (FPS, RPG, Racing)
- Map L3/R3 functions to alternative buttons for reduced thumb strain
- Configure the screenshot button for instant capture or recording functions
- Set up macro combinations for complex in-game actions
- Store up to 3 custom button layouts for quick switching between games
- Fine-tune analog stick dead zones from 1% to 20%
- Adjust trigger sensitivity with 5 preset levels
- Modify acceleration curves for precise aiming in FPS games
- Set individual X/Y axis sensitivity for varied game requirements
- Configure haptic feedback intensity between 3 levels
- Enable adaptive trigger resistance to match PS5 DualSense features
| Sensitivity Setting | Range | Default Value |
|---|---|---|
| Deadzone | 1-20% | 5% |
| Trigger | 1-5 | 3 |
| Acceleration | 0.1-2.0x | 1.0x |
| Haptic Feedback | Low/Med/High | Medium |
Playing PS5 Games Through Remote Play
Remote Play enables PS5 gaming on mobile devices through the Backbone controller with optimal settings and network configurations.
Managing Input Lag and Latency
Input lag minimization starts with direct connection settings in the PS Remote Play app’s configuration menu. These settings include:
- Setting video quality to “Preferred” over “Standard” for reduced compression
- Enabling “High Frame Rate” mode for 60fps gameplay when available
- Adjusting resolution to 1080p for the best balance of quality and responsiveness
- Disabling HDR to reduce processing overhead
- Using game mode on the smartphone display to decrease screen latency
- Connect PS5 directly to router via ethernet cable
- Position mobile device within 15 feet of WiFi router
- Use 5GHz WiFi band instead of 2.4GHz
- Maintain minimum 15Mbps upload speed for 1080p streaming
- Close background apps consuming bandwidth
- Enable QoS (Quality of Service) settings on router for PS5 traffic
| Connection Type | Minimum Speed | Recommended Speed | Max Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | 5 Mbps | 15 Mbps | 1080p/60fps |
| Mobile Data | 15 Mbps | 25 Mbps | 1080p/60fps |
| Ethernet | 5 Mbps | 15 Mbps | 1080p/60fps |
Tips for the Best Gaming Experience
Optimizing PS5 Remote Play with Backbone requires specific settings and game selections for the best performance. These tips enhance the mobile gaming experience while maintaining quality and responsiveness.
Recommended Games for Remote Play
Single-player narrative games perform exceptionally well on Remote Play with Backbone:
- God of War Ragnarök: Features forgiving combat timing perfect for streaming
- Spider-Man: Miles Morales: Offers responsive controls that translate well to mobile
- Horizon Forbidden West: Contains large UI elements visible on smaller screens
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart: Maintains smooth performance during Remote Play
- Final Fantasy XVI: Provides adequate input windows for remote combat
Avoid competitive multiplayer games like:
- First-person shooters
- Fighting games
- Racing simulators
- Sports games requiring precise timing
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Network-related problems have specific solutions:
- Black screen: Close PS Remote Play app entirely restart the application
- Input lag: Connect PS5 via ethernet disable other network devices
- Audio delay: Use wired headphones through Backbone’s 3.5mm jack
- Connection drops: Position phone within 15 feet of router use 5GHz WiFi
- Blurry video: Lower resolution to 720p ensure 15Mbps minimum upload speed
- Unresponsive buttons: Update Backbone firmware through companion app
- Stick drift: Calibrate analog sticks in Backbone app settings
- Double inputs: Clear custom button mappings reset to default configuration
- No vibration: Enable haptic feedback in PS Remote Play settings
Console-quality Experiences to Mobile Devices
The Backbone controller revolutionizes PS5 gaming by bringing console-quality experiences to mobile devices. Through PlayStation Remote Play compatibility and thoughtful design this premium controller transforms smartphones into portable gaming powerhouses. With proper setup optimization and network configuration players can enjoy their favorite PS5 titles wherever they go.
The combination of low-latency performance customizable controls and seamless integration makes the Backbone One an essential accessory for PS5 owners who want gaming flexibility. While it works best with single-player games the ability to take AAA PlayStation titles on the road opens up exciting new possibilities for modern gaming.