What is The Shortcut?
The Shortcut is a consumer technology publication with news and reviews of gadgets and video games. It reliably reports breaking news topics like the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro, and the rumored Sony PSP 2 handheld. Critically acclaimed reviews cited by other top publications include the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review, iPhone 16e review, and Apple Vision Pro review.
The Shortcut is now the #1 consumer tech newsletter on Substack. It was founded by tech expert Matt Swider, the former TechRadar US Editor-in-Chief, on November 8, 2021. Matt Swider has 25 years of experience in tech journalism and one million social media followers. He has a journalism degree from Penn State University and launched Gaming Target in 1999, while also contributing to publications such as Ars Technica, G4TV, GamePro, PlayStation: The Official Magazine and US newspapers.
The Shortcut includes full-time editors Adam Vjestica (former TechRadar) and Kevin Lee (former TechRadar and IGN), as well as Max Buondonno (former ZDNet and CNN Underscored writer), who wrote about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra colors.
About The Shortcut
I started The Shortcut to simplify your life. I'm here to tell you what technology to buy and how to save money – right in your email – without burying the answers in the fifth paragraph. The Shortcut is a tech publication that gets straight to the point to save you time and track deals to save you money.
I've proven that I can deliver timely information to purchase hard-to-find products, adding 1 million Twitter followers in 2022 with my PS5 and Xbox restock tweets
I'm an early adopter of tech, yet I still find clever ways to get major discounts and to work more efficiently than most people. That speaks to the name The Shortcut. I want to pass on that time-and-money-saving information to you in your inbox like any good journalist would want to do.
Why subscribe to The Shortcut?
I’ve helped you secure a PS5, Xbox or other hard-to-find gadgets
You don’t yet have PS5, Xbox, etc and need my help!
You want to support independent journalism
You love technology and saving money
✏️ Honest tech journalism – What’s new in tech? Which cutting-edge gadgets are actually worth buying? Our unbiased, independent team answers your questions.
🧠 Get Smarter About Tech – Skip 10,000-word, jargon-filled articles. I send 10 stories in one email that you can read in 7 minutes and easily understand.
💻 5-min Reviews – Our skinny tech reviews answer, “Is this good? Should I buy something else?” at the top. Want more? Our scroll-friendly FAQs have answers.
🚨 Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order – If you want Nintendo’s console in April, you’re in the right place. We send alerts via email and on my X – if you turn on notifications.
🛍️ Exclusive Discounts – Never pay full price! I have a knack for finding sales. I got a MacBook Pro for $500 off! Now, with my secret tactics, I’m helping you save money.
💬 Message Me 1:1 – Frustrated with tech? Deciding on a big electronics purchase at Best Buy? No tech site or YouTuber will get back to you, but I will. Reply to any email, message me on Substack, or DM me on X.
🙋♂️ Mention you’re a paid subscriber, and I’ll get back to you ASAP! I’m your personal tech concierge.
Please consider subscribing to support our quest to continue to help people understand technology.
Work with The Shortcut
We’re now opening select brand integrations into The Shortcut newsletter and our social media channels – send us an email at sponsorships@theshortcut.com to request a media kit. Award licensing is handled by EVG Media.
The Shortcut doesn’t use any traditional banner ads that mar the reading experience, as we’re extremely protective of our audience. We also don’t accept sponsorships of reviews according to our Media Ethics policy.
Here are some stats:
92% US audience (rare)
146,600 Substack newsletter subscribers
1.5 million monthly website views
1M social media followers
88% men
40% open rate
15% X/Twitter engagement rate
17% Instagram engagement rate
Who reads The Shortcut?
The Shortcut was built on directly answering the tech questions of a US audience, so we have a unique advantage in reaching American tech buyers. You’re not spending ad dollars on an audience outside North America who can’t buy your tech products.
Our audience also comes with more questions than preconceived opinions. They ask Matt questions about which TV to buy, which phone they should get next, and which gaming laptop is best for them. In short, they’re all not know-it-alls that stick to one brand. They come to The Shortcut to seek our influence.
The Shortcut and Matt Swider in the news
My ability to help people with “service journalism” has been written about by several top publications. Here are some samples:
Tom’s Guide cites The Shortcut, 2025: Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date just tipped — here's when you might be able to buy
The New York Times: A Journalist, a Philosophy Major and the Mad Scramble for Video Game Consoles
Techmeme: We’re often linked on Techmeme each week
Buzzfeed News: How A Guy Who Tells You How To Buy A PS5 Accidentally Became The World’s Most Powerful Tech Journalist
CNN: A new crop of shopping tools aims to help consumers beat the supply chain crunch and the bots
Protocol: Rise of the restock account: How the PS5 shortage changed online shopping
CBS News: Why the PS5 video game console is still so hard to find — and tips on how to score one
Android Central: Supply chain issues turned shopping into a rigged game, but companies don't care enough to fix it
Who is Matt Swider?
I’m a tech journalist who’s been writing about gadgets and video games for 25 years. At age 14, I started a video game news and reviews website called Gaming Target and spent 9 years at TechRadar.com, where I became the US Editor-in-Chief.
I’ve tested 1,000+ gadgets and games in my lifetime. I love to seek out what’s new and novel in tech, and then I will tell you about it on Substack and other platforms.
Final pitch: how about a 1:1 experience?
This is designed to be a 1:1 experience. I reply to about 1,000 messages each week, and I love the support I’ve gotten from everyone in return. My work ethic has enabled me to risk everything to start The Shortcut and I hope you come along for the ride.
The Shortcut is a tech publication based in New York City with four full-time editors.
The Shortcut LLC
31 W 34th Street, Floor 7
New York, NY 10001
