Razer Kishi V2 vs Backbone One: 5 Things to Know!
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
Mobile gaming has come a long way since the days of playing Snake on your Nokia phone. Today, you can play console-quality games on your phone, complete with stunning graphics and immersive gameplay.
If you're serious about mobile gaming, you know that touchscreen controls just don't cut it. That's where mobile gaming controllers come in, and two of the best on the market are the Razer Kishi V2 and the Backbone One. Let's compare these two controllers and see which one is the better choice for you.
| Specs | Razer Kishi V2 | Backbone One |
|---|---|---|
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | |
| Price | $99.99-$199.99 | $99.99 |
| Dimensions (Collapsed) | 92.2 x 180.7 x 33.9 m | 93.9 x 176.2 x 32.6 mm |
| Weight | 123 g | 138 g |
| Connectivity | Lightning or USB-C | Lightning or USB-C |
| System Requirements | iOS 15.4 or higher, or Android 9.0 or higher | iOS 13 or higher, or Android 10.0 or higher |
| Audio Jack | No | Yes |
| Pass-Through Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Ultra-Low Latency Gameplay | Yes | Yes |
| Game Recording | Yes | Yes |
| Live Stream | Yes, YouTube & Facebook | Yes, Twitch |
| Mobile App | Razer Nexus | Backbone |
Key Takeaways
Backbone One offers a 3.5mm headphone jack, while the Razer Kishi V2 does not. However, Kishi V2 supports older phone models and has Virtual Controller Mode for button remapping. Kishi V2 supports live-streaming via YouTube and Facebook, while Backbone One supports Twitch.
Razer Kishi V2
Upgraded Capabilities
✓ Compatible with Android and iPhone
✓ Ultra-Low Latency Gameplay
✓ YouTube and Facebook live streaming
✓ Virtual Controller Mode
Backbone One
Impressive Features
✓ Compatible with Android and iPhone
✓ Ultra-Low Latency Gameplay
✓ Twitch live streaming
✓ 3.5mm Headphone Jack
#1 Price
Backbone One
The Razer Kishi V2 is available in three versions: Android, iPhone, and iPhone (Xbox Edition). The Android and iPhone versions cost $99.99 each, while the iPhone (Xbox Edition) is slightly more expensive at $119.99.
In contrast, the Backbone One comes in four versions: Android, iPhone, Android (PlayStation Edition), and (iPhone PlayStation Edition). All versions are priced at the same rate of $99.99.
#2 Design
Razer Kishi V2
Both the Razer Kishi V2 and the Backbone One are designed to be highly ergonomic, with a comfortable grip and easy-to-use buttons. The bridge that connects the two halves of both controllers is adjustable, allowing it to fit a wide range of phone sizes.
The design of both controllers is quite similar, featuring two thumbsticks, one D-pad, ABXY face buttons, a menu button, an options button, the Razer Nexus/Backbone app button, and a capture button. A charging port is also available on both controllers, allowing you to charge your phone while you play. In terms of design, one key difference is that the Backbone One has a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can play mobile games with sound without needing to rely on Bluetooth or wireless headphones.
Both mobile gaming controller connects to your phone via their Lightning/USB Type-C connectors, depending on the version you purchase. Such a wired connection allows for Ultra-Low Latency Gameplay, which is essential for a smooth gaming experience with faster response and less lag.
#3 Smartphone Compatibility
Backbone One
The Razer Kishi V2 requires your phone to run either Android 9.0 or higher, or iOS 11.0 or higher. In addition, your phone has to be able to fit into the controller's adjustable bridge, so it has to have a maximum length of 170 mm and a maximum thickness of 11.5 mm. Some smartphone models with confirmed compatibility include:
• iPhone SE (1st and 2nd), 6S/6S Plus, 7 and 7 Plus, X, 8 and 8 Plus, XS, XS Max, XR, 11 series, 12 series, 13 series
• Samsung Galaxy S8 / S8+ / S9 / S9+ / S10 / S10+ / S20 Series / S21 Series / S22 Series / Note 8 / Note 9 / Note 10 / Note 10+ / Note 20 Series
• Razer Phone and Razer Phone 2
• Google Pixel 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
The Backbone One, on the other hand, is compatible with devices running iOS 13.0 or later, and Android 10.0 or later. For a list of compatible devices, check the Backbone website here.
#4 Supported Games
Backbone One
The Razer Kishi V2 and Backbone One support a wide range of games, including:
• Native mobile games, such as Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and PUBG Mobile.
• Cloud gaming services, such as Xbox Game Pass, Google Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Amazon Luna
• PC or console games with remote play, such as Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam.
Backbone has a list of compatible games that you can check on their website here.
#5 Features
Backbone One
The Razer Kishi V2 and Backbone One offer a pass-through charging feature, allowing you to charge your phone while you play by connecting the controller to your charging cable. Both controllers are also equipped with a recording feature, so you can capture game clips and share them via their respective apps.
Backbone offers more with its Twitch integration, allowing you to livestream on Twitch instantly and share the link with your friends. The Backbone app also offers a social platform for gamers to connect and find friends to play with. You can get notifications when your friends are online and create/join parties to voice chat while you play together.
Razer Kishi V2
On the other hand, the Razer Nexus app for Kishi V2 supports live streaming through YouTube and Facebook Live. It also has Virtual Controller Mode, which allows you to remap your buttons to your liking, especially useful for touchscreen-only games.
The Backbone app doesn't support button remapping, but it is still possible to do so in your iOS settings if you're using an iPhone. If you're an Android user, button mapping is not yet supported.
Razer Kishi V2 vs Backbone One
Final Thoughts
Razer Kishi V2
Overall, both the Razer Kishi V2 and the Backbone One are great mobile gaming controllers with similar designs and functionalities. They support a wide range of smartphone models and games, but the Razer Kishi V2 has an edge with its Virtual Controller Mode and live streaming via YouTube and Facebook. On the other hand, the Backbone One offers a 3.5mm headphone jack and Twitch integration.
If you like to read more about Mobile Gaming Controllers, check out our other relevant guides here:
Razer Kishi vs Blackbone One
Razer Kishi vs Kishi V2
Backbone One (1st Gen) vs Backbone One (2nd Gen)
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