38 Game Console and Controller Review Journalists (2026)
38 Journalists Who Review Game Consoles, Controllers and Console Accessories (2026)
Find 38 journalists covering consoles, controllers and gaming accessories. Use linked profiles and bylines to build a relevant media list for your launch.
Answer
Console hardware and accessories are covered by two groups of journalists: tech and buying-guide editors at outlets such as CNN Underscored, Engadget, PCMag, TechRadar and T3, and gaming editors at IGN, GameSpot, Game Informer and platform specialists like Push Square, Pure Xbox, Windows Central and Nintendo Life. Below are 38 of them, grouped by outlet type, with each person's role and beat.
Key facts (as of October 2026)
- This list covers 38 journalists across 28 outlets who cover game consoles, console hardware, accessories or handheld gaming.
- Platform-specific outlets (PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo sites) are often the best first stop for a controller or accessory built for one console.
- Several entries cover consoles mainly through games and platform news, so check recent bylines for hardware or accessory reviews before pitching.
- The list comes from PromoteHour's media database of 1,100+ outlets, last enriched in August 2026.
How to use this list
Match the pitch to the platform first. A PS5 controller belongs with PlayStation-focused writers and broad tech outlets, a Switch accessory with Nintendo specialists, and a handheld PC accessory with handheld and PC gaming writers. Shortlist 8 to 12 people whose recent work fits, then pitch each one personally.
Tech and buying-guide outlets
Mainstream tech outlets that test console hardware and accessories for a broad shopping audience.
| Journalist | Outlet | Role | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Andronico Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | CNN Underscored | Senior Editor, Electronics | Gaming hardware, consoles, electronics |
| Mat Smith Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | Engadget | UK Bureau Chief | Console gaming, consumer technology |
| Will Greenwald | PCMag | Principal Writer | Game consoles, electronics, AR/VR |
| Jeffrey L. Wilson | PCMag | Managing Editor, Hardware | PC and console gaming |
| Harry Padoan Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | TechRadar | Senior Reviews Writer | Console gaming, consumer electronics |
| Tabitha Baker Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | TechRadar | Deals Editor | Gaming hardware and console deals |
| Max Freeman-Mills | T3 | Staff Writer, Tech | Consoles, accessories and gadget testing |
| Andy White Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | Expert Reviews | Deputy Editor | Handheld consoles, electronics reviews |
| Corey Picaro Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: Third-party journalist profile; confirm with current publisher bylines. | Pocket-lint | Technology and Entertainment Writer | Handheld consoles, gadgets, gaming |
| Giovanni Colantonio Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: Historical byline archive; not confirmation of current employment. | Digital Trends | Former Senior Gaming Editor | Consoles, games, electronics |
| Cameron Faulkner Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | The Verge | Commerce Editor | Gaming hardware and accessories, deals |
Gaming publications
Major gaming outlets that cover new hardware, accessories and platform news for an enthusiast audience.
| Journalist | Outlet | Role | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eddie Makuch Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | GameSpot | Editor | Game consoles, industry news, electronics |
| Brian Shea Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | Game Informer | Executive Editor | Gaming, Nintendo |
| Ryan McCaffrey | IGN | Senior Executive Editor | Gaming hardware, Xbox |
| Tom Marks | IGN | Executive Reviews Editor | Game and platform reviews |
| Will Judd | IGN | Deputy Tech Editor | Gaming hardware and accessories |
| Michael Higham | IGN | Reviews Editor | Game reviews, previews and interviews |
| Tim Clark | PC Gamer (Future plc) | Editorial Director, Games | PC and console gaming |
| Oscar Taylor-Kent | GamesRadar+ | Games Editor | PlayStation, gaming industry |
| Dylan Horetski Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | Dexerto | Senior Entertainment Writer | Entertainment, tech and gaming peripherals |
| Lee Brady Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | TrueAchievements | Features Editor | Xbox games and Game Pass |
| Reece Heather Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | Nintendo Wire | Reporter and Editor | Nintendo news and games |
| Dan Keener Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | Gaming Nexus | Senior A/V Writer | Gaming equipment and accessories |
PlayStation specialists
Writers at PlayStation-focused outlets, a natural fit for PS5 controllers, headsets and accessories.
| Journalist | Outlet | Role | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| John-Paul Jones Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | PlayStation Universe | General Manager and Editor-in-Chief | PlayStation ecosystem and hardware |
| Sammy Barker | Push Square | Editor | PlayStation, console releases, reviews |
| Stephen Tailby Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | Push Square | Assistant Editor | PlayStation news, reviews and guides |
| Harry Baker Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: Historical byline archive; not confirmation of current employment. | UploadVR | Journalist | PlayStation VR2 and VR hardware |
Xbox specialists
Writers covering the Xbox and Microsoft gaming ecosystem.
| Journalist | Outlet | Role | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jez Corden | Windows Central | Executive Editor | Xbox, Microsoft, gaming technology |
| Daniel Rubino | Windows Central | Editor-in-Chief | Xbox, PC gaming, computing |
| Fraser Gilbert Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | Pure Xbox | News Editor | Xbox news, reviews and features |
| Neil Watton Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | TheXboxHub | Owner, Editor and Writer | Xbox gaming |
Nintendo and handheld specialists
Nintendo-focused editors and handheld gaming writers, for Switch accessories and portable gaming gear.
| Journalist | Outlet | Role | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gavin Lane Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | Nintendo Life | Editor | Nintendo news, reviews and features |
| Alana Hagues Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | Nintendo Life | Deputy Editor | Nintendo news, reviews and guides |
| Damien McFerran Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | Nintendo Life (Hookshot Media) | Editorial Director | Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, retro hardware |
| Donald Theriault Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | Nintendo World Report | News Editor | Nintendo ecosystem, Switch 2 hardware |
| Justin Berube Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | Nintendo World Report | Features Editor | Nintendo hardware and games |
| Kayleigh Partleton Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | Pocket Tactics | Deputy Editor | Nintendo Switch, gaming hardware |
| Ruby Spiers-Unwin Profile / bylines ↗ Source checked: | Pocket Tactics | Editor | Switch and handheld gaming |
What these editors look for in a pitch
- Platform fit: say clearly which console or handheld your product is built for, and whether it is officially licensed.
- What's new: a feature the first-party controller lacks, such as back paddles, Hall effect sticks, better battery life or a lower price.
- Compatibility details: connection type, latency, supported platforms and any app or firmware support.
- Review units ready to ship: console writers test accessories over real play sessions, so a sample is essential.
- Respect for their beat: one short, personal pitch beats a mass email every time.
When to pitch console accessories
- Console and game launches: new hardware, firmware updates and big game releases create natural accessory roundups.
- Holiday gift guides: many outlets plan these months ahead, so the earlier the better.
- Sales events: Prime Day and Black Friday for deals editors.
Frequently asked questions
Which journalists review game controllers and console accessories in 2026?
Journalists covering console hardware and accessories include Will Judd and Michael Higham (IGN), Michael Andronico (CNN Underscored), Will Greenwald (PCMag), Harry Padoan (TechRadar), Max Freeman-Mills (T3), plus platform specialists such as Push Square, Windows Central, Pure Xbox and Nintendo Life. The full list of 38 is in this article.
Which outlets review PS5, Xbox and Switch accessories?
Outlets that cover console accessories include IGN, GameSpot, TechRadar, PCMag, T3, Engadget, CNN Underscored, Push Square and PlayStation Universe for PlayStation, Windows Central and Pure Xbox for Xbox, and Nintendo Life and Nintendo World Report for Switch.
How do I get my controller reviewed?
Pitch platform-specific writers first, explain what your controller does better than the first-party one, offer a review sample, and follow up once or twice. Reviewers usually test over several play sessions before publishing.
Does this list include journalists' email addresses?
No. This list shares names, outlets, roles and beats only. PromoteHour clients get matched contacts and a done-for-you pitching campaign.
How current is this list?
Selected from PromoteHour's media database, enriched in August 2026, and checked against public sources on October 2, 2026. Each entry has a source link and check date, with notes for historical archives, third-party profiles or search-index checks. Journalists change roles often; check current bylines before pitching.
Sources and verification
Selected from PromoteHour's media database (enriched August 2026), then checked against public profiles and byline archives on October 2, 2026. Each journalist has a dated source link. Notes distinguish historical archives, third-party profiles and search-index checks where direct access was restricted. Beats summarize published coverage, not confirmed pitch availability. Always check current bylines before pitching.
- Michael Andronico — checked
- Mat Smith — checked
- Will Greenwald — checked
- Jeffrey L. Wilson — checked
- Harry Padoan — checked
- Tabitha Baker — checked
- Max Freeman-Mills — checked
- Andy White — checked
- Corey Picaro — checked
- Giovanni Colantonio — checked
- Cameron Faulkner — checked
- Eddie Makuch — checked
- Brian Shea — checked
- Ryan McCaffrey — checked
- Tom Marks — checked
- Will Judd — checked
- Michael Higham — checked
- Tim Clark — checked
- Oscar Taylor-Kent — checked
- Dylan Horetski — checked
- Lee Brady — checked
- Reece Heather — checked
- Dan Keener — checked
- John-Paul Jones — checked
- Sammy Barker — checked
- Stephen Tailby — checked
- Harry Baker — checked
- Jez Corden — checked
- Daniel Rubino — checked
- Fraser Gilbert — checked
- Neil Watton — checked
- Gavin Lane — checked
- Alana Hagues — checked
- Damien McFerran — checked
- Donald Theriault — checked
- Justin Berube — checked
- Kayleigh Partleton — checked
- Ruby Spiers-Unwin — checked