Backbone’s Holiday 2023 lineup includes updated controllers for the iPhone 15 series and the first-ever Backbone One carrying case. Jared and myself have been using Backbone One controllers for a while. I usually use both the Razer Kishi and the Backbone One when testing any game, but lately I’ve been using the Backbone One primarily for PlayStation Remote Play both indoors and outdoors. I was curious about the Backbone One suitcase, so I ordered one for myself a while ago. Jared’s praise of it piqued my curiosity, which was interesting enough for me to do a brief review of it to help any Backbone One controller owners decide if it’s worth buying. While this review is based on the Backbone One Portable Pack PlayStation version, it applies to the regular version as well.
The Backbone One portable bag looks high-end and fancy, and in fact it might work in those areas, which is why I ordered the PlayStation version. I’m curious about how the exterior material feels, whether it’ll hold up well in my backpack, and how it handles drops or just being squished in my bag. So far, so good except for one flaw I mention below. The white felt-style finish feels nice to the touch, and despite being dropped a few times and having it in my bag for over a month while out and about, it somehow didn’t get dirty.
The lining is also very soft and reminds me of a good iPhone case. There’s not a lot of space inside the Backbone One carrying case for anything other than headphones or a small charging cable. You can put the adapter that comes with the Backbone One controller into the case if you want, but there’s no dedicated storage space. It would be better if there is a pouch on top.
Now, my main issue with the Backbone One carrying case is the zipper. Backbone calls it a low-profile zipper that’s waterproof and easy to open and close. I’m actually worried about the zipper getting stuck almost every time I use it. This hasn’t happened yet, but it doesn’t feel good to use. The material is good and the zipper itself is nice to hold, but this aspect needs improvement on the new model. I ended up asking some friends who were also in this situation and they all had the same problem. None of us had issues with the zipper getting stuck, but it doesn’t feel great as a zipper or is inconvenient to use.
Is the Backbone One Carrying Case too much for a controller that most people would toss in their backpack when they go out? It’s possible. Is it worth $24.99? So far, yes. The Backbone One controller normally costs $99.99, so a quarter of the price may seem like a lot, but other than the zipper not feeling great, I’m happy with it. I also like the look and feel of the Backbone One PlayStation Carrying Case compared to other controller cases. However, it remains to be seen how effective it will be after a few months of use.
Backbone One Carrying Case Review Rating: 4/5
You can purchase the Backbone One Carrying Case and Backbone One Carrying Case PlayStation Edition on Amazon for $24.99.
It will help TouchArcade a little if you purchase the controllers or items listed and linked above through our links on Amazon.
