38 Journalists Who Review Game Consoles, Controllers and Console Accessories (2026) | PromoteHour
38 Journalists Who Review Game Consoles, Controllers and Console Accessories (2026)
The 2026 list of 38 journalists who cover PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and handheld gaming hardware and accessories, at IGN, GameSpot, TechRadar, PCMag, Push Square, Nintendo Life and more.
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 | CNN Underscored | Senior Tech Writer, Electronics Lead | Gaming hardware, consoles, electronics |
| Mat Smith | Engadget | UK Bureau Chief | Console gaming, consumer technology |
| Will Greenwald | PCMag | Principal Writer | Game consoles, electronics, AR/VR |
| Jeffrey L. Wilson | PCMag | Managing Editor, Apps and Gaming | PC and console gaming |
| Harry Padoan | TechRadar | Senior Reviews Writer | Console gaming, consumer electronics |
| Tabitha Baker | TechRadar | Deals Editor | Gaming hardware and console deals |
| Max Freeman-Mills | T3 | Staff Writer, Tech | Consoles, accessories and gadget testing |
| Andy White | Expert Reviews | Deputy Editor | Handheld consoles, electronics reviews |
| Corey Picaro | Pocket-lint | Technology and Entertainment Writer | Handheld consoles, gadgets, gaming |
| Giovanni Colantonio | Digital Trends | Senior Gaming Editor | Consoles, games, electronics |
| Cameron Faulkner | 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 | GameSpot | Editor | Game consoles, industry news, electronics |
| Brian Shea | 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 | Tech Reviews Editor | Gaming peripherals and tech reviews |
| Tim Clark | PC Gamer (Future plc) | Group Editorial Director, Games | PC and console gaming |
| Oscar Taylor-Kent | GamesRadar+ | Games Editor | PlayStation, gaming industry |
| Dylan Horetski | Dexerto | Senior Writer | Gaming, peripheral reviews |
| Lee Brady | The Loadout | Journalist | PlayStation and Xbox gaming |
| Reece Heather | DualShockers | Features Writer | Gaming features, Nintendo |
| Dan Keener | 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 | PlayStation Universe | Managing Editor | PlayStation ecosystem and hardware |
| Sammy Barker | Push Square | Writer | PlayStation, console releases, reviews |
| Stephen Tailby | Push Square | Assistant Editor | PlayStation news, reviews and guides |
| Harry Baker | 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 | Managing Editor | Xbox, Microsoft, gaming technology |
| Daniel Rubino | Windows Central | Editor-in-Chief | Xbox, PC gaming, computing |
| Fraser Gilbert | Pure Xbox | News Editor | Xbox news, reviews and features |
| Neil Watton | XboxHub | 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 | Nintendo Life | Editor | Nintendo news, reviews and features |
| Alana Hagues | Nintendo Life | Deputy Editor | Nintendo news, reviews and guides |
| Damien McFerran | Nintendo Life (Hookshot Media) | Editorial Director | Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, retro hardware |
| Donald Theriault | Nintendo World Report | News Editor | Nintendo ecosystem, Switch 2 hardware |
| Justin Berube | Nintendo World Report | Features Editor | Nintendo hardware and games |
| Kayleigh Partleton | Pocket Tactics | Deputy Editor | Nintendo Switch, gaming hardware |
| Ruby Spiers-Unwin | 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?
The list is drawn from PromoteHour's media database, last enriched in August 2026 and published in October 2026. Journalists change roles often, so always check a writer's recent bylines before pitching.
Source: PromoteHour media database (People records last enriched August 2026). Roles and beats change often; check each journalist's recent bylines before pitching. Journalists are listed for informational purposes and are not affiliated with PromoteHour. Spotted an outdated entry? Let us know and we'll update it.