Backbone One USB-C PlayStation Edition

Backbone | One USB-C PlayStation Edition | Mobile Game Controller | DualSense-Inspired Layout | USB-C, No Battery | Pass-Through Charging | 3.5mm Jack | Android And iPhone 15

The Backbone One PlayStation Edition is a mobile game controller that clamps around a phone and connects through its USB-C port. It has a layout inspired by the DualSense controller, has no battery of its own, supports pass-through charging and has a 3.5mm headphone jack. It is made for Android phones and for iPhones with a USB-C port. Backbone has released more than one generation of this controller, and our supplier's list gives only "PlayStation Backbone Type C", so we confirm the generation before you pay. Available in Kenya from Mega Store Kenya, this page is for shoppers searching "Backbone One PlayStation Edition Kenya", "Backbone controller Kenya", "buy Backbone One Nairobi", "mobile game controller Kenya", "phone controller PS5 Remote Play", "Backbone USB-C controller" or "Android game controller Nairobi".

Playing games on a phone with touch controls is awkward, and a clip-on controller fixes that. The Backbone One turns a phone into a handheld, with real sticks, buttons and triggers. This page explains what the PlayStation Edition offers, which phones it fits, what it does and does not do, and how to check it when it is delivered.

Key specs at a glance

Specifications come from published manufacturer and retail specification sheets. Gaming accessories are sold in several versions with different colours, model codes and platform labels, so please ask our team to confirm the exact model, colour and version in stock before you pay.

What's in the box

The box contents are not listed in the pages we read. We confirm exactly what is in the box for your unit before you pay.

Overview: who the Backbone One is for

The Backbone One is for people who play games on their phone and want real controls. It is especially useful for PS Remote Play, where your phone shows your PS5 game and the controller gives you the DualSense-style buttons. It also works for cloud gaming services and for the many mobile games that support controllers.

The PlayStation Edition has a layout and look inspired by the DualSense, with offset sticks, a D-pad, face buttons and shoulder buttons. If you are used to a PlayStation controller, it will feel familiar.

It is not for people who only play simple touch games, and it does not work without a compatible phone.

How it connects and charges

The controller connects through the phone's USB-C port, so there is no Bluetooth pairing and no delay from wireless. Because it takes its power from the phone, it needs no battery of its own, and you never have to charge the controller. The cost is that it uses a little of the phone's battery.

It also has a USB-C pass-through port. That lets you plug a charger into the controller and charge the phone while you play. Long sessions benefit from this.

There is a 3.5mm headphone jack for a wired headset. This is useful if your phone has no headphone socket. Bluetooth is not supported in the review we read, so wireless headsets connect through the phone.

Which phones does it fit?

The controller has a spring-loaded clamp that holds the phone between the two halves. The first generation clamp is listed for phones up to a certain width, and the second generation clamp is larger and holds large phones and cases more securely. A phone with a thick case may not fit, and you may need to remove the case.

It needs a USB-C port. Most recent Android phones have one. iPhones from the iPhone 15 onwards use USB-C, so the same controller works on them, while older iPhones with Lightning need a different version. Check your phone model before you buy, and tell us if you are not sure.

Because the phone plugs in at the bottom, the position of the USB-C port on your phone matters. A phone with an off-centre port may not seat correctly. We test the fit in the shop if you bring your phone.

What you can play

The Backbone One works with native mobile games that support controllers, cloud gaming services that stream games to your phone, and PS Remote Play, which streams games from your PS5. For cloud gaming and Remote Play you need a good internet connection. In Kenya, a stable home Wi-Fi connection is better than mobile data for streaming.

The Backbone app helps you see which games and services work with the controller. It is useful, but not essential.

Remember that not every mobile game supports controllers, and the quality of the experience depends on the phone, the game and the connection.

Is it worth buying?

If you play games on your phone often, yes. A controller changes the experience, and the Backbone is one of the best-known. If you rarely play, a cheaper controller or none at all may be enough.

Compared with Bluetooth controllers, a wired USB-C controller has no pairing and almost no delay, and it needs no charging. The trade-off is that it ties up the phone's USB-C port.

Check which generation you are getting. The second generation is better for large phones.

Common questions before buying the Backbone

Does it fit my phone case? The clamp is flexible, but thick cases may not fit. Remove the case if needed. We test the fit if you bring your phone.

Can I use it on an iPhone? iPhones with USB-C, such as the iPhone 15 and later, can use the USB-C version. Older iPhones need a different version.

Does it support PS Remote Play? The review we read lists PS Remote Play for the second generation and does not mention it for the first. We confirm the generation and the use you want.

Does it need an app? The controller works without it, and the app helps with organising games.

Is it good for kids? It is a sturdy accessory but contains small parts. As with any phone accessory, supervise children.

Questions we hear often about PlayStation gear in Kenya

Is it safe to buy gaming accessories from a shop in town? It is safe if you buy from a seller who shows you the item, gives you a receipt and explains the warranty. We let you inspect the box and test the item before you pay, and we confirm every detail that is not published.

Can I return an item that does not fit my console? Fit problems are best solved before you buy, which is why we ask for your console model and check the item with you. If something is wrong when it arrives, contact Customer Relations on 0740 922 861 straight away and we will advise on the next steps.

Do you deliver in Nairobi and outside? Yes. Orders confirmed before 3pm are delivered the same day in Nairobi, and outside Nairobi we deliver by courier, typically 1 to 3 business days after dispatch. The delivery charge is confirmed before you pay, and M-Pesa is accepted.

How do I know the item is new? Every item we list is brand new, and we show you the sealed pack. If a pack looks opened or damaged, tell us before you pay.

Can you recommend what else I need? Tell us your console, your games and your budget. We would rather recommend one good item than sell you several that you do not need.

Final buying notes

Before you order the Backbone One USB-C PlayStation Edition, take a minute to think about your phone model and its case. If you are unsure, call or WhatsApp our sales team on 0740 922 861 with the model of your console and what you play, and we will tell you honestly whether this item is right for you.

We would rather lose a sale than sell you something that does not suit your setup. Every item is brand new, we let you inspect the pack and we confirm any detail that is not published before you pay.

You can visit the shop at New Alnoor Exhibition, Shop 7, Second Floor, Taveta Road, Nairobi CBD, to see the item, or we can arrange same-day delivery in Nairobi for orders confirmed before 3pm.

Bring your phone, with its case, to the shop and we will try it in the controller so that you can check the fit, the feel of the buttons and the position of the USB-C plug before you pay.

It is a small purchase compared with a console, and it can turn a phone into a handheld you will use daily. Ask us any question about the games you want to play.

Using PlayStation accessories in a Kenyan home

Most PlayStation accessories are used in a sitting room or bedroom, around a TV, a console and a power socket. A few habits protect both the accessory and the console. Plug the console and its accessories into a surge-protected extension, because Kenya's power can spike when it returns after an outage, and spikes are a common cause of damaged electronics. If a thunderstorm is coming, switch the console off and unplug it. Keep the console in a place with good airflow, away from curtains, blankets and the back of a cabinet, because the PS5 is a large console that needs room to breathe. Dust is a fact of life in Nairobi, so wipe accessories with a dry cloth and keep ports free of dust.

Think about where cables will run. A cable across a walkway is a trip hazard and a pulled cable can drag a console or camera off a shelf. Use cable ties or clips to keep leads tidy. If small children or pets are in the house, keep small accessories and loose parts out of reach.

Setting up your PS5 for the whole family

The PS5 has family and parental controls that are worth setting up if children use the console. You can create a child account, set daily play-time limits, restrict games by age rating and control spending in the PlayStation Store. These settings protect children and avoid surprise bills, which matters in a home where a parent's M-Pesa or card might be linked to the account. Set a strong passcode on the parent account, and do not share it.

Storage is the other everyday issue. The console has a fixed amount of internal storage, and modern games are large. Delete games you have finished and keep only those you play. If you run out of space often, tell us, and we can advise on storage upgrades that are compatible with the console. Keep the console software updated, since updates add features and fix problems.

Internet, TV and sound: getting the basics right

Online play, downloads and streaming depend on your internet connection. A wired connection from the router to the console is more stable than Wi-Fi, which can suffer from walls and distance. If you must use Wi-Fi, place the router in the same room or use a mesh extender. Check that your plan has enough data, because game downloads can use many gigabytes.

The TV matters too. A TV with a game mode reduces input lag, and an HDMI 2.1 port is needed for the highest frame-rate and resolution modes on the PS5. If your TV is older, you can still enjoy the console, but some features will not work. For sound, a headset is the simplest choice for late-night play, and a soundbar adds to the family experience in the sitting room.

Caring for your console and accessories

Dust and heat are the enemies of electronics in Nairobi. Place the console where air can flow around it, never inside a closed cabinet, and do not stack other devices on top. Wipe the outside with a dry cloth and do not use liquids. Clean the console's air vents with a soft brush or a gentle blower now and then, but do not open the console.

Charge controllers and other accessories with a good cable and a surge-protected socket. Do not leave them charging for days at a time, and do not leave them in hot places, such as on a windowsill in direct sun. A little care keeps your gear working for years.

Buying PlayStation gear: a quick guide

Think about what you need, in this order: first, a controller for each player; second, a headset for comfortable, private sound; third, a charging dock or a spare controller so that play is never interrupted; fourth, storage and protection, such as a carrying bag or a stand; and last, extras such as a camera or a remote. You do not need everything at once, and it is better to buy a few good items than many cheap ones.

Checking compatibility before you buy

PlayStation accessories are made for specific consoles and controllers, and a mismatch is the most common reason for a return. The PS5 came in a standard edition with a disc drive, a Digital Edition without a disc drive, a slimmer redesigned version and a PS5 Pro, and some accessories fit only some of these. The DualSense controller and the DualSense Edge controller are different products, and parts for one do not fit the other. PlayStation 4 accessories and PlayStation 5 accessories are often different too.

Before you buy, write down the exact console and accessory you own. Tell us, and we will confirm that the item works with your setup before you pay. If you are not sure which version you have, bring the console or send a photo of the model sticker.

Genuine and imitation accessories

PlayStation accessories are widely copied. Imitations are often cheaper, and some work fine, but some use poor materials, have unreliable electronics or may not be recognised by the console. For items that connect to the console, or that protect an expensive device, we recommend genuine products and we say clearly what the item is. Check the printing on the box, the model code and the finish of the product, and be wary of a price far below the market.

How to check your item when it is delivered

1. Inspect the box for damage before you sign, and check that the box is sealed.
2. Open it and check that the contents match what we confirmed with you.
3. Check the build: the finish should be clean, the fittings should be complete and nothing should rattle or feel loose.
4. Test the item with your console if you can, or let us test it in the shop.
5. Keep the receipt and the box.
6. Contact our Customer Relations team on 0740 922 861 straight away if anything is wrong.

How to avoid a fake or counterfeit item

• Check the printing and the logo. Blurry text, spelling mistakes, a wrong logo or a missing model code are warnings.
• Check the box. A genuine box has sharp printing, a model number and a sealed finish.
• Compare the build. Rough edges, loose parts and a flimsy feel are warnings.
• Watch the price. A price far below the market is a reason to ask why.
• Buy from a seller with an address. Choose a seller who gives a receipt and explains the warranty, and avoid paying a stranger before you have seen the product.

Warranty and stock

Warranty depends on the market version of the product and on who stocks it. We confirm the model, the version and the exact warranty terms in writing for the specific unit before you pay, and Customer Relations on 0740 922 861 handles warranty questions after purchase. Keep your receipt and the box.

Strengths and limits

What we like:

• A DualSense-inspired layout.
• Wired USB-C, with no battery and almost no delay.
• Pass-through charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Works with Android and USB-C iPhones.
• Good for PS Remote Play and cloud gaming.
• The Backbone app helps you find games.

What to keep in mind:

• The generation and phone fit must be confirmed.
• Ties up the phone's USB-C port.
• No back buttons in the review we read.
• Not suited to phones with thick cases.
• Needs a good connection for streaming.

Who should buy the One USB-C PlayStation Edition

• Phone gamers who want real controls.
• PS Remote Play users.
• Cloud gaming fans.
• Players who want a portable controller.
• Buyers with a USB-C Android or iPhone 15.

Who should look elsewhere

• Owners of phones with Lightning ports.
• People who only play touch games.
• Buyers whose phone is too wide.
• Players who want Bluetooth.

Compare before you buy

Backbone One against a Bluetooth phone controller. A Bluetooth controller works with more devices. The Backbone has no pairing and almost no delay.

Backbone One against the PlayStation Portal. The Portal is a dedicated handheld. The Backbone uses your phone.

Backbone One against a DualSense on a phone clip. A clip holds a DualSense. The Backbone clamps the phone to the controller and is more compact.

Why buy from Mega Store Kenya

Genuine, brand-new stock from a Nairobi shop you can visit. Mega Store Kenya is at New Alnoor Exhibition, Shop 7, Second Floor, Taveta Road (at the Taveta Road and Taveta Road junction), Nairobi CBD. We are open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 7:00pm, and Sunday 11:00am to 4:00pm (Saturday closed).

• Sales (pricing, stock and orders): call or WhatsApp 0740 922 861 on WhatsApp.
• Customer Relations (warranty, returns and support): call or WhatsApp 0740 922 861 on WhatsApp.
• Email: [email protected], handy for invoices, bulk orders and warranty paperwork.
• Delivery: same-day delivery in Nairobi for orders confirmed before 3:00pm on a working day. Outside Nairobi we deliver by courier to your nearest agent or your door, typically 1 to 3 business days after dispatch. The delivery charge depends on your location and the size of the item and is confirmed before you pay. Collection from the shop is free. Delivery times are estimates, not guarantees.
• Payment: M-Pesa accepted.

Frequently asked questions

Does it fit my phone? Tell us your model. It needs a USB-C port, and we test the fit.

Does it need a battery? No. It takes power from the phone.

Does it work with iPhone? With USB-C iPhones such as the iPhone 15. We confirm.

Can I charge the phone while I play? Yes, through the pass-through port.

Can I pay via M-Pesa? Yes, M-Pesa is accepted.

Can I pay via M-Pesa? Yes, M-Pesa is accepted.

Do you deliver outside Nairobi? Yes. Outside Nairobi we deliver by courier, typically 1 to 3 business days after dispatch. The delivery charge depends on your location and the size of the item and is confirmed before you pay.

What if it is faulty on delivery? Contact Customer Relations on 0740 922 861 straight away, and we will advise on the next steps.

Order the Backbone One USB-C PlayStation Edition today

Available now at Mega Store Kenya. Call or WhatsApp our sales team on 0740 922 861 (WhatsApp) to confirm stock, the version, delivery and what is included, or email [email protected]. Visit us at New Alnoor Exhibition, Shop 7, Second Floor, Taveta Road (at the Taveta Road and Taveta Road junction), Nairobi CBD.

Nairobi: same-day delivery for orders confirmed before 3:00pm on a working day. Rest of Kenya: courier to your door or nearest agent, typically 1–3 business days. You can also collect for free from our shop at New Alnoor Exhibition, Shop 7, Second Floor, Taveta Road, Nairobi CBD.

Faulty or not as described? Tell us within 7 days for a replacement or full refund. Changed your mind? Sealed, unused items can come back within 14 days. See our returns & warranty policy.