A new mobile PlayStation controller, called Backbone One - PlayStation Edition, demonstrates the potential of a new portable console like the PlayStation Vita. Sony has released two portable PlayStation systems in the past: 2005's PlayStation Portable and 2012's PlayStation Vita. Last year Sony reversed their decision to close the PS Vita digital store amongst fan backlash, and now the Backbone One proves that a modern Sony handheld would be viable.
When it released back in 2012 the PlayStation Vita took steps to improve upon its PSP predecessor. The impressive handheld featured a colorful OLED touchscreen and two joysticks, allowing developers to translate big-budget console experiences onto the smaller and more portable system. Sony's innovative Remote Play system also let players transfer saves between the PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4, allowing them to continue playing a console game on the go. The Vita received a number of popular titles, including Gravity Rush and Hotline Miami. While the Vita managed to stay popular for years Sony ended production of the handheld system by 2019, and apparently more Sony handhelds like the PlayStation Vita are not being planned.
A new PlayStation Blog post has announced Backbone One - PlayStation Edition, an officially licensed mobile controller for iPhone users. The latest version of the Backbone One is inspired by the colors, materials and finishes of the PS5 console’s DualSense wireless controller and is intended for use with PlayStation Remote Play on an iPhone. While it is designed for playing PS5 and PS4 games on the PS Remote Play app, the stylish new Backbone One can also be used to enjoy App Store games and other streaming services. The fascinating piece of mobile hardware, highlighted in a YouTube video by Backbone, is available now.
The Backbone One May Be A PlayStation Vita Successor
While the PlayStation Vita storefront has not been shut down by Sony, recently many Vita games have expired or become unplayable. Earlier this year players reported that classic PlayStation titles, like Final Fantasy VI and Chrono Cross, could not be played on Vita due to the titles expiring. While some Vita users were able to redownload games to get them working, others revealed that their entire digital library was inaccessible due to the issue. The PlayStation Vita store also stopped accepting credit cards in 2021, and the on-board messaging system was taken offline last year too.
The Backbone One looks like an excellent way to use PlayStation Remote Play on iPhone, but the new tech is not a replacement for a full-fledged PlayStation Vita 2. Sony's handheld console was beloved for its OLED touchscreen and dual joysticks, and a modern successor to that portable system could be a great success. The Vita 2 is sadly a mere dream, however, so the Backbone One is the next best thing for PlayStation fans looking to take their games on the go.
Sources: PlayStation Blog, Backbone/YouTube