Celebrating 35 Years of Mean Machines: The UK’s Pioneering Multiformat Console Magazine

This month marks the 35th anniversary of Mean Machines, the groundbreaking UK magazine that forever shaped the landscape of video game journalism.

Established in 1989 by publishing powerhouse EMAP, Mean Machines was the country’s first dedicated multiformat console publication, offering British gamers an inclusive hub for Nintendo, Sega, and other platform news well before modern online media. Fronted by editor Julian Rignall and a celebrated team including Richard Leadbetter, Paul Glancey, and Ed 'Radion Automatic' Lawrence, Mean Machines gained a cult following thanks to its brutally honest reviews, top-class tips, and close-to-the-knuckle humour.

This distinct editorial voice set new standards for accessibility and excitement in game journalism, creating a direct connection with passionate readers about the evolving world of console gaming. For many, Mean Machines’ legacy began with its very first issue, featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the cover—a landmark moment swiftly followed by countless hours of poring over its pages.

The magazine was a transformative experience for fans, who found in its features not only in-depth coverage of Japanese import hardware like the Mega Drive, but a vibrant community of enthusiasts.

The magazine’s format provided comprehensive coverage for both Sega and Nintendo systems, a rarity at the time, until it famously split after 24 issues into Mean Machines Sega and Nintendo Magazine System in 1992. The impact of Mean Machines extends far beyond its print run, continuing to resonate with those familiar with Nintendo’s evolution.

Notably, in 2002, The Mean Machines Archive was launched to document and celebrate its enduring legacy.

This digital effort brought together Darren Calvert and other future founding figures of Hookshot Media—the company behind modern Nintendo reporting via sites such as Nintendo Life and Virtual Console Reviews.

These connections laid the groundwork for the next generation of trusted Nintendo news outlets, including the stewardship of Hookshot CEO Ant Dickens. Several alumni from the original Mean Machines team recently convened to collaborate on a custom magazine for mobile publisher Supercell, underscoring the magazine’s ongoing influence in the wider gaming industry.

Additionally, Julian Rignall has revealed he is working on a new project, fueling hopes among fans for a possible revival of Mean Machines’ legendary format. As Mean Machines celebrates 35 years since its first publication, the magazine remains a touchstone within gaming media for its pioneering approach, authoritative writing, and tireless passion for the gaming community.

Its spirit endures in today's Nintendo news coverage, inspiring both newcomers and veterans in the vibrant world of video game journalism.

Nintendo UK EMAP console Mean Machines Julian Rignall Richard Leadbetter Paul Glancey Ed Lawrence Supercell The Mean Machines Archive Hookshot Media Virtual Console Reviews Nintendo Life Ant Dickens Darren Calvert