I’ve been messing around with PCs, video game consoles, and tech since before I could speak. Don’t get me wrong, I kickstarted my relationship with technology by jamming a Hot Wheels double-decker bus into my parent’s VCR, but we all have to start somewhere. I even somehow managed to become a walking, talking buyer’s guide at my teenage supermarket job, which helped me accept my career fate. So, rather than try to realise my musician dreams, or see out my University degree, I started running my own retro pop culture site and writing about video games and tech for the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, and the BBC before eventually ending up with a job covering graphics card shenanigans at PCGamesN. Now, I’m your friendly neighbourhood Hardware Editor at GamesRadar, and it’s my job to make sure you can kick butt in all your favourite games using the best gaming hardware, whether you’re a sucker for handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch or a hardcore gaming PC enthusiast.
Latest articles by Phil Hayton

8Bitdo's N64 controller keeps getting better, and I just found one for a damn good price
By Phil Hayton published
News You can now grab 8Bitdo's Analogue 3D controller for just over $30, and firmware updates mean it's an even better N64 gamepad than before.

Where to pre-order the Virtual Boy for Nintendo Switch 2: retailers I'd hit for the cursed retro console remake
By Phil Hayton last updated
News Here's where to pre-order the Virtual Boy for Nintendo Switch 2 before it lands in February, alongside advice on whether you need the retro console remake.

Best gaming handheld 2025: I'd hit these portable PCs and emulation consoles first
By Phil Hayton last updated
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 world's first affordable FPGA gaming console" - I'm mesmerised by this new Superstation One PS1 system snapshot
By Phil Hayton published
News A new photo of the upcoming SuperStation in midnight blue has emerged, and I'm more hyped for the "affordable" FPGA retro console than ever.

The best monitor for PS5 2025: high spec screens for the OG and Pro
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide Here are the best monitors for PS5 in 2025, including 4K UHD displays and OLED panels that will make your favorite PlayStation adventures pop.

Best gaming desk 2025: all the surfaces I'd use for PC and console setups
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying guide Here's a rundown of the best gaming desks on the market right now, including premium and and budget-friendly options for work and play.

I'm thrilled to report the Vectrex Mini is coming to Kickstarter this November, and the price isn't horrendous
By Phil Hayton published
News The Vextrex Mini is officially coming to Kickstarter on November 3, and $115 / £86 early bird units will be joined by a special edition white retro console.

How to connect your retro console to a modern TV or monitor
By Phil Hayton published
Guide Here's how I connect retro consoles to a modern TV or monitor using both the original cables and HDMI upscalers that will enhance your picture quality.

I'm celebrating 30 years of PlayStation by giving the OG retro console an upscaling birthday treat
By Phil Hayton published
News If you're looking to celebrate the PlayStation's 30th anniversary in style, I'd recommend picking up an OSSC for the retro console to give it an HD glow-up.

"This device combines nostalgia with innovation" - I can't believe how hard this new Atari handheld goes
By Phil Hayton published
News The Atari GameStation Go is now available to pre-order, and the retro handheld boasts 200 built-in games alongside number pad, paddle, and trak-ball controls.

Where to pre-order the MSI Claw A8: The premium handheld is now available in the UK
By Phil Hayton published
News The MSI Claw A8 is now available to pre-order in the UK, so you've got a chance to grab the premium handheld gaming PC before US players.

I regret not picking up the Sega Astro City Mini sooner, as it's one of the only ways to play my favorite arcade exclusive sequel
By Phil Hayton published
News I finally just picked up the Sega Astro City Mini, and the tiny arcade machine is well worth picking up if you can find it for the right price.

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is now official with a price I can't remotely vibe with
By Phil Hayton published
News Lenovo just made its Legion Go 2 handheld official with a $1,049.99 / €999 starting price tag, and it'll be joining the premium portable party with a Z2E chip.

The best Steam Deck dock 2025: the handheld docking stations I'd recommend
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide Here are the best Steam Deck dock options for Valve's handheld and compatible alternatives, including hubs that are great for at home and travel.

Best retro game consoles 2025: my favorite ways to play classic capers
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying guide Here are the best retro game consoles in 2025, including mini plug-and-play systems, emulation devices, and accessories that will upscale your original hardware.

I want to love the Hyperkin Retron GX, but the retro console seemingly dislikes my PC Engine games
By Phil Hayton published
Review The Hyperkin Retron GX makes for an affordable way to play physical PC Engine and Turbografx-16 games, but it does suffer from compatibility issues.

Valve just trademarked the term "Steam Frame", but I'm not convinced it's just a Steam Deck console
By Phil Hayton published
News Valve has filed a trademark for the term "Steam Frame" that alludes to new hardware in the works, but it might not just be a consoleized Steam Deck.

Now could be your last chance to grab the OG MSI Claw, but I'd still pass on the Intel handheld
By Phil Hayton published
News The original and cheapest MSI Claw is now under $400 thanks to a Best Buy clearance discount, but I'd consider other handhelds before clicking buy.

Lenovo Legion Go 2 leak reveals full specs, and I'm cautiously hyped for the handheld sequel
By Phil Hayton published
News Specs and features for the Lenovo Legion Go 2 just leaked out, and the gaming handheld will apparently come in at least two different flavors.

Analogue 3D footage finally just surfaced online, and I'm hoping the 4k N64 is as slick as it looks
By Phil Hayton published
News A new Analogue 3D teaser shows off the FPGA N64 running cartridges for the first time, but you'll need to wait a little longer for actual gameplay.

The MSI Claw A8 arrives this month for £850, but I'm fearful of its US price
By Phil Hayton published
News The MSI Claw A8 is now available to pre-order in the UK for $850, but that price tag makes me nervous about eventual US listings for the handheld.

Summer isn't over yet, but I've already picked out three retro handhelds I'll be cozying up with this Autumn
By Phil Hayton published
News Autumn is nearly upon us, so I've picked out three retro handhelds that will help you cozy up with classic capers once summer comes to an end.

The best gaming PC 2025: Find your perfect pre-built powerhouse
By Duncan Robertson last updated
Buying guide We're rounding up all the best gaming PCs on the market from budget builds to higher-end rigs ready for the next generation of gaming.

After nine years searching for the perfect N64 joystick replacement, I've finally found a controller mod worth doing
By Phil Hayton published
News The N64 controller is one of the worst offenders for stick drift, so I upgraded the retro console's gamepad with a hall-effect joystick.

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
By Phil Hayton published
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.
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