RetroInHand is an independent retro gaming publication run by Ben Rawlinson. This page explains how we decide what to write, how we evaluate products, and what standards every article must meet before it goes live.
Our Core Editorial Principles
1. Honesty Over Positivity
We give honest verdicts, not positive ones. If a product is poor value, we say so clearly and explain why. A “skip this” verdict in a buying guide is just as useful as a “buy this” verdict — perhaps more so. Our readers are spending real money and deserve the truth.
2. UK-First Perspective
RetroInHand is written for UK buyers. This means prices in £, availability from UK retailers, PAL hardware considerations, and import realities are central to every recommendation. We don’t paste US pricing guides and add a rough conversion.
3. Research-Based Recommendations
Our recommendations are built from multiple sources: community testing data from dedicated retro gaming forums and enthusiast groups, published hardware analyses and teardowns, manufacturer specifications and firmware changelogs, and where applicable, direct experience with the hardware. RetroInHand covers the retro handheld space closely and draws on ongoing engagement with the UK retro gaming community. Where a recommendation is based primarily on aggregated research rather than first-hand testing, we aim to reflect that clearly in the article. We do not fabricate impressions or invent performance data.
RetroInHand uses AI-assisted writing tools as part of its production workflow. All articles are commissioned, directed, and reviewed by Ben Rawlinson before publication. The editorial judgements — what to recommend, what to warn against, and what the UK angle is — are his.
4. Evergreen Accuracy
Prices, availability, and hardware recommendations change quickly in the retro handheld market. We update articles regularly to reflect current market conditions. You’ll see a “Last updated” timestamp on all buying guides and reviews.
5. No Paid Placements
We do not accept payment for positive coverage, sponsored reviews presented as independent reviews, or “native advertising” masquerading as editorial content. Brands cannot pay to be included in or excluded from buying guides.
How We Evaluate Products
When we rank products in buying guides, we assess:
- Value for money at the UK price point
- Build quality and durability — based on verified reports and community consensus
- Performance for the target use case — emulation compatibility, supported systems, and real-world frame rates
- Software and firmware quality — ease of setup, update reliability, ongoing support
- Availability — can UK buyers actually get it, and from where?
Rankings are revised when better alternatives emerge or when a previously recommended product declines in value, quality, or availability.
Affiliate Links
RetroInHand participates in affiliate programmes. When you click a product link on this site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our full affiliate disclosure.
Affiliate relationships never influence our editorial decisions. Products are not ranked based on commission rates.
Corrections Policy
If we get something wrong, we correct it and acknowledge the correction. If you’ve spotted a factual error, outdated pricing, or a broken link, contact us at the address below.
Contact
For editorial queries, corrections, or press enquiries, visit our contact page.