Latest articles by Phil Hayton
The BBC is once again trying to outrage retro nerds, so I'd advise checking in on the Apple and Windows fans in your life
News The BBC has once again committed a retro tech sin live on TV by celebrating the 30th anniversary of Windows 95 using a Macintosh SE computer for 1987.
I'd normally say wait for the Labor Day sales, but Sony's 4K PS5 monitor is back down to its lowest price right now
Deal The Sony Inzone M9 is back under $600 ahead of the Labor Day sales, and it could be your last chance to grab the 4K 144Hz PS5 monitor.
Best Xbox Series X hard drive, SSD, and memory card solutions in 2025: all the fastest solutions we've tested
Buying Guide We're rounding up the best Xbox Series X hard drives, expansion cards, and portable SSDs so you can get the right storage solution for you.
Best PS5 external hard drives 2025: excellent portable SSD and HDD options
Buying guide We've been hands-on with all the latest storage upgrades so you can find the best PS5 external hard drive for your system.
Best gaming handheld 2025: I'd hit these portable PCs and emulation consoles first
Hardware Here are the best gaming handheld options in 2025, including the Nintendo Switch 2, portable PCs like the Steam Deck OLED, and various other great devices.
The best gaming monitor 2025: the most impressive displays I've tested this year
Buying guide Here are the best gaming monitor models in 2024, including punchy OLED panels, super speedy screens, and brilliant budget options.
"Built to game with Xbox" - Microsoft says these handhelds will get the same features as the ROG Xbox Ally, but I've got beef with its picks
News Microsoft says the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Lenovo Legion Go are "built to game with Xbox," just like the Xbox Ally, but it's seemingly ignoring Asus' OG handheld.
The MagicX Zero 40 is one of the weirdest retro handhelds I’ve tested, but it solves my Nintendo DS dilemma
Review The MagicX Zero 40 is a solid handheld for Nintendo DS emulation, and its vertical screen means it's great for arcade shooters too.
I hope you're hungry for 3DS handhelds, as two new dedicated emulation devices are on the way with dual screens
News Ayn and MagicX both have handhelds in the works that'll cater to 3DS emulation with dual screens, and the latter could be a more affordable dedicated device.
Samsung is showing off its 3D monitor at Gamescom using the one game I'd feel weird playing in a room full of people
News Samsung is showing off its 3D Odyssey gaming monitor at Gamescom using Stellar Blade, and the raunchy RPG is just one of over 50 games set to be supported.
After 42 years, someone has finally worked out a way to make a mini version of my favorite '80s console, and it involves an AMOLED screen
News A Vectrex Mini is in the works that boasts an AMOLED display, HDMI output, and 12 built-in games, and it's currently playable at Gamescom 2025.
"We feel it too" - Analogue's FPGA N64 just got delayed for a third time, but I'd argue it's still worth the wait
News The Analogue 3D is now scheduled to ship in Q4 2025, as the N64 FPGA console has been delayed for a third time to resolve "uncommon issues."
A full-size Amiga 1200 remake is hiding out at Gamescom, and it could solve my retro microcomputer woes
News Retro Games Ltd just announced its full-size Amiga 1200 remake at Gamescom, and the A1200 could be an affordable way to authentically revisit the microcomputer.
I don't know which one of you sickos asked for a 750Hz OLED gaming monitor, but Asus now has you covered
News Asus has announced a new gaming monitor that can hit 750Hz refresh rates at 1080p, but it's also set to offer up incredible visuals using LG's Tandem OLED tech.
Microsoft's ROG Xbox Ally handhelds will officially arrive on October 16, but I really need to see a price
News The upcoming Asus ROG Xbox Ally gaming handheld range will officially launch on October 16, but you'll need to wait a little longer for a price.
Five years later, I can't believe Nintendo's Game & Watch tribute handhelds are available to buy new, and I still use one to spontaneously play Link's Awakening
News You can still buy both the Game & Watch Mario and Zelda retro handhelds new, and the latter makes for a fantastic way to play one of my favorite Game Boy games.
The Lenovo Legion Go S is cheaper than the cheapest Steam Deck in the UK right now, and I'd seriously consider it over the ROG Xbox Ally
Deal The Lenovo Legion Go is now cheaper than ever in the UK, and price cuts have turned it into a ROG Xbox Ally alternative that costs less than a Steam Deck.
The AMD Radeon RX 9070 lacks the RTX 4070's AI chops, but I'd recommend it to 4K PC players looking for a backlog boost
Review AMD Radeon RX 9070 is a solid graphics card for players seeking 4K performance, and it can hit higher frame rates than the RTX 5070 without AI assistance.
One year later, this Steam Deck SSD mod is still keeping my new gaming handheld envy at bay
News Picking up a WD Black SN770M SSD will help you expand your Steam Deck storage up to 2TB, and it's even compatible with the Asus ROG Ally.
The minds behind the Nintendo DS emulation handheld I'm testing are working on a portable N64, but I'm not sure how I feel about the timing
News MagicX, the company behind the Zero 40 portable for Nintendo DS games, has teased a new N64 handheld that pays tribute to the console's controller.
I'm not being funny, but the Asus ROG Ally is virtually an Xbox handheld that's available now for under $500
News Instead of waiting for the cheapest ROG Xbox Ally, I'd argue it's worth grabbing the OG Asus ROG Ally while it's under $500, as it could end up discontinued.
"The very best produced in recent years" - I can't believe I've got a reason to buy another C64 Mini, and it's not just because it's "back in black"
News THE C64 Mini Black Edition is a "special edition" version of the 2017 retro console that's loaded with 25 modern games, but it costs more than the original.
After two years of being asked "nearly every day" for Steam Deck OLED 32GB RAM upgrades, one modder says it's finally possible, and I'm now even more concerned for the ROG Xbox Ally
News Turns out you can now upgrade your Steam Deck OLED with 32GB RAM thanks to modding efforts, and it could help Valve's handheld take on the ROG Xbox Ally.
