I just use my iPad Pro and a dual sense when I travel.
You get all the haptics and what not so it’s like playing native.
And the iPad pro oled screen is gorgeous
I got a PlayStation Backbone in the summer so I could play emulated games. It felt flimsy and too small initially.
However, once I was able to position the paddles in like the middle of my palms, it was much better ergonomically speaking.
Then there's the joysticks where their range of motion is limited. I got some $5 joycon caps from Amazon, popped em on there and the difference they made was immediately noticeable. I was playing Spyro and I was having a real tough time changing direction at full speed without those caps on. When I put them on, I could move like a pro for the most part.
And you're right about the haptics. They don't come from the Backbone itself, but the iPad, which is renowned for having outstanding haptics. I have a Pixel 7 which also has great haptics. The dual sense's haptics come from smartphones I believe so you get all the same vibrations. Obviously they're weaker but they're there. You feel them through the Backbone.
The triggers have a limited pull but they are analog which is good. I also tried the Gamevice Flex which is very difficult to find. The triggers are console quality as are the joysticks. They're legitimate joysticks not the little rinky dink joycons. I didn't like the face buttons because they had a dome shape compared to the PlayStation style. I would say that that controller was actually better than the Backbone if not for the cheaper and not as sturdy construction. But on sale for $70, I would recommend the Backbone without hesitation. Plus the newest one allows you to use cases just like the Gamevice Flex.