About Spare Controller
Who we are, who we write for, and how this site is funded.
Spare Controller is an independent publication of buying guides and explainers about video game consoles, games, accessories, trading cards and collectibles. It is written for readers in the United States.
Who we write for
Every household with a gamer has a spare controller in a drawer — the one kept for whoever wants to join in. That's our reader. Some of our readers play every day. Many others are buying for someone who does: a parent choosing a first console, a grandparent looking for the right Pokémon box, a partner trying to work out which headset works with an Xbox. We write so that both groups can make a confident decision.
What we do
- Explain the differences between products that look the same on a shelf.
- Do the compatibility checks — the right controller, the right storage card, the right headset for each console.
- Translate the fine print — ratings, subscriptions, return windows, trade-in rules.
- Keep it honest. We never claim to have tested a product we haven't, we don't publish fake reviews or invented user quotes, and we say when something is uncertain or changes often (like console prices in 2026).
Read more in How we research and our Editorial policy.
Who's behind it
Spare Controller is a small independent publication based in Kraków, Poland. We write in English for a US audience and check US prices, policies and release dates for every guide.
How we're funded
Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking one, we may earn a commission from the retailer, at no extra cost to you. This is how the site pays for itself. It never decides what we recommend — see How we earn.
Get in touch
Corrections, questions and suggestions are welcome: contact us.