Best Phone Controllers for PS Remote Play: Backbone One vs Razer Kishi
Short answer: the Backbone One – PlayStation Edition ($99.99) is the best phone controller for PS Remote Play — it is the officially PlayStation-licensed telescopic controller, and it turns your phone into a handheld that feels like a real DualSense. The Razer Kishi V2 is the best alternative, especially if you also play on PC or Xbox Cloud.
Backbone One vs Razer Kishi V2 — Head to Head
| Backbone One – PlayStation Edition | Razer Kishi V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | USB-C or Lightning versions; direct plug-in, no Bluetooth lag | USB-C; direct plug-in, no Bluetooth lag |
| Layout | PlayStation button labels (△ ○ ✕ □), official PS Remote Play styling | Xbox-style labels, remappable via Razer Nexus app |
| Extras | Backbone app with game hub; passthrough charging on newer models | Razer Nexus app, virtual controller mode, passthrough charging |
| Best for | PS Remote Play purists — feels native | Multi-platform players (PS + Xbox Cloud + PC) |
| Price | $99.99 Check price | Check price |
Our Picks, Explained
1. Backbone One – PlayStation Edition — best overall
This is the one designed for exactly what you are doing. The PlayStation Edition carries official PlayStation licensing, PlayStation face buttons, and deep integration with the PS Remote Play app. It clamps onto your phone with a direct USB-C/Lightning connection, so there is zero Bluetooth latency — your inputs feel as immediate as a DualSense. If PS Remote Play is your main use, stop here.
2. Razer Kishi V2 — best multi-platform alternative
The Kishi V2 matches the Backbone on the fundamentals — telescopic fit, direct USB-C connection, passthrough charging — and pulls ahead if you also stream from Xbox Cloud Gaming or a PC. The Razer Nexus app adds button remapping and a game launcher. The trade-off: Xbox-style button labels, which takes a session or two to get used to on PlayStation games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chiaki-ng on my phone with these controllers?
Chiaki-ng has no official Android or iOS release — on phones you use Sony’s official PS Remote Play app, and both the Backbone One and Kishi V2 work with it. See our Android and iOS status pages for the full picture.
Do telescopic controllers add input lag?
No — that is the point. Both controllers connect directly via USB-C/Lightning, bypassing Bluetooth entirely. Touch-screen controls actually add more perceived lag than a wired controller does.
Backbone One vs Kishi V2 — which fits bigger phones?
Both use a stretch-to-fit design that covers standard and Plus/Ultra-size phones. Remove thick cases for the most secure fit; both work best with the phone bare or in a thin case.
Can I charge my phone while playing?
Yes — both controllers support passthrough charging, so a long remote play session will not drain your battery.
Are these worth it over a cheap Bluetooth gamepad?
For remote play, yes. Bluetooth adds 10–30 ms of input latency on top of streaming latency; a direct-connect telescopic controller removes that layer completely and keeps the screen unobstructed.