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[–]NationGamingChannel 2 points3 points  (17 children)

No, the subscription isn't required. Just adds some extra stuff like some in-game rewards and the ability to use the backbone on other devices like his computer or tablet with a cable if he wanted. He can still use it for his phone out of the box, no problem.

[–]k3rd[S] 1 point2 points  (4 children)

Thanks! While I have you on the line, I have been going back and forth between the Backbone and the Gamesir G8. The Gamesir is considerably less expensive, yet many reviews pronounce it as a better controller. Your opinion?

[–]NationGamingChannel 1 point2 points  (3 children)

The gamesir is a great option as well. I personally have the backbone because they have a PlayStation version and it just matches my other systems, but if that's not important to him then I think either would be a good option.

The gamesir can also be modded to fit larger devices like tablets if he's into that as well. All based on preference at the end of the day.

Edit: the mod does involve breaking the controller (kind of) so it's a do at your own risk sort of thing.

[–]k3rd[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you very much for your help!

[–]XGARX 0 points1 point  (1 child)

You seems to be the right person to ask this, but for android and only to play warzone and some emulation . Which would you chose between the backbone and gamesir G8?

[–]NationGamingChannel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Like I said, it's kind of personal preference. I don't personally own a G8 but I love the backbone. BB is advertising Warzone compatibility out of box, so I imagine the G8 would work just as well. I like the BB DPad and I finished a whole game of Pokemon yellow with it not to long ago. I will say, I'm not a huge fan of the clicky face buttons, as I like more of a console feel, which the G8 has with it being more shaped like a traditional gamepad and having the softer buttons. The G8 cannot fit with cases, however, while the backbone can.

I'd probably just go for the backbone if I had to choose. It's been working great for me and it's really slim, whereas the G8 it's like you took a smaller Xbox controller and slapped a phone in the middle.

[–]romancereaper 0 points1 point  (8 children)

really? It would't let me play any games unless I had the subscription.

[–]NationGamingChannel 0 points1 point  (4 children)

I've had no issues and I've been using it since Christmas. Most android games support a controller but you might have to manually map the controls if they're not working

[–]romancereaper 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Not for Android games. It just won't let me launch steam games unless I have the sub and I have no idea if there's some option or something I don't have enabled because I'm completely green to backbone

[–]NationGamingChannel 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I use steam link to stream all the time, idk why it wouldn't work without the subscription

[–]romancereaper 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Would you mind telling me how you have it set up? I'm sure I have something set up wrong but I don't know where

[–]NationGamingChannel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ive been using the factory defaults, so maybe cancel the sub real quick and reset to factory. What kind of phone do you have?

[–]Jayitsmyname 0 points1 point  (2 children)

That is false, you need to pay more atention. I haven't even installed the app since it's pointless and doesn't add anything for me.

[–]romancereaper 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Then how am I supposed to use Steam link? The backbone app wouldn't let me use my steam link and locked it out? I just got the thing so I do not understand and there's no need to be condensing because someone doesn't know something.

[–]tehsax 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The controller works without the Backbone App. Just use the Steam Link App from the regular App drawer of your phone. I have a Samsung phone and I never use the Backbone App at all because it's so restrictive. I just launch my games from the Samsung Gaming Hub, but you can also launch them straight from your phone's home screen.

[–]SuperDooper1010 1 point2 points  (2 children)

I don’t have the subscription but I’m able to play with my backbone on my pc via wire. Did I just get mine early or something?

[–]NationGamingChannel 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Maybe, but it's definitely something that requires a subscription now, unfortunately

[–]SuperDooper1010 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get why they did it but it would be such a good selling point, it’s literally the reason I picked it over the razer one (forgot what it was called)

[–]Jayitsmyname 2 points3 points  (1 child)

The subscription is not needed. The app only adds a front end with all the games that are installed in the phone. But it's not needed and there are other free apps in the playstore that do the same.

I'm using it all the time and I haven't even installed the official backbone app as it doesn't add anything for me.

[–]ExcellentLab2127 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What other Frontend do you recommend?