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

Pikachu just turned 30, so I'm celebrating by using an original N64 to play Pokémon Stadium in style
By Phil Hayton published
News I'm spending the Pokémon 30th Anniversary playing the first 3D game on an actual N64, so here are all the accessories and gadgets making it happen.

Playing Pokemon on your phone is good, actually, but I'd rather do it using this Game Boy controller
By Phil Hayton published
News If you're planning celebrate Pokemon's 30th Anniversary playing the Game Boy Classics on your phone, I'd grab GameSir's excellent Pocket Taco mobile controller.

I won't lie, a Super Pocket handheld that pays tribute to one of the best N64 platfomers of all time wasn't on my bingo card
By Phil Hayton published
News A new Rare Super Pocket retro handheld that comes with Banjo-Kazooie built in just popped up at Amazon, and it could pave the way for even more N64 ports.

I've finally found a way to use the Switch 2 GameCube controller with an actual GameCube
By Phil Hayton published
News I've been using the Switch 2 GameCube controller with the original retro console, and it's all thanks to an open-source wireless dongle.

Surprise, the Asus ROG Ally just got a Ryzen Z1 Extreme driver update, but I'm still suspicious
By Phil Hayton published
News Turns out the Asus ROG Ally is still getting AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme updates after all, but there are still questions regarding direct handheld maker support.

Resident Evil Requiem ray tracing wasn't really on my mind, but Nvidia DLSS Ray Reconstruction has helped heeb my jeebs
By Phil Hayton published
News Here's how Resident Evil Requiem benefits from Nvidia DLSS Ray Reconstruction and helps provide an extra layer of eerie realism to Capcom's latest horror romp.

The Evercade is finally getting a wireless dual analogue stick controller, and I'm hoping it means more PS1 ports are coming
By Phil Hayton published
News A new Evercade Wireless Controller is on the way that boasts analogue thumbsticks, and I'm hoping it means the retro console is getting more PS1 games.

I hate to say it, but since the Steam Deck is AWOL, the ROG Xbox Ally is the only handheld PC I can find for under $600
By Phil Hayton published
News The ROG Xbox Ally is one of the only handheld gaming PC options going right now for under $600, and it's the portable I'd suggest while the Steam Deck is gone.

After five years, I can finally turn the Zelda Game and Watch into a proper retro handheld thanks to new microSD and memory mods
By Phil Hayton published
News You can now transform your Zelda Game and Watch into a fully-fledged retro handheld thanks to modders, and it makes the collectible feel like a Game Boy remake.

The best Steam Deck dock 2026: 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 handheld 2026: my portable picks for playing the classics
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide Here are the best retro handheld options for playing classic games in 2026, including emulation devices, Game Boy clones, and portables with cartridge support.

AMD is apparently cutting off Ryzen Z1 Extreme handhelds from driver updates, and I can't help but blame the Xbox Ally
By Phil Hayton published
News It looks like AMD is ending driver support for Ryzen Z1 Extreme handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, but I wouldn't rush to get an Xbox Ally.

The Gametank just smashed its crowdfunding goals, and I'm thrilled at the idea of a new 8-bit retro console in the big 26
By Phil Hayton published
News The Gametank, an 8-bit console that features its own unique architecture, just smashed its crowdfunding goals, and the first units are set to ship this July.

Steam Machine delays are getting me down, but Valve could be extremely cool and release its controller right now
By Phil Hayton published
News The Steam Machine might not arrive for a while, but Valve could encourage players to hold out for the mini PC by releasing its new controller.

The Pocket Super Knob sounds dirty, but I promise it's a new gaming handheld
By Phil Hayton published
News The Pocket Super Knob is an upcoming gaming handheld by GameMT with a ridiculous name, but its dial could spice things up in terms of budget functionality.

Play Zelda Breath of the Wild on Virtual Boy, they said. It will be fun, they said. I ended up having to lie down
By Phil Hayton published
News I've been using the Virtual Boy for Switch to play Breath of the Wild, but I'd think twice before taking on Calamity Ganon using the Nintendo Labo VR feature.

Forgive my laughter, I can't believe the $1,000 Asus ROG Ally X is getting a price hike, even if it is only in Japan for now
By Phil Hayton published
News The ROG Xbox Ally X now reportedly costs 21% more in Japan, and the price hike could be a sign of things to come for the gaming handheld scene.

How to set up the Virtual Boy for Switch 2 and relive the cursed retro console in seconds
By Phil Hayton published
Guides Here's how to set up the Virtual Boy for Switch 2 and the original Switch, including how to assemble the cursed retro console remake and adjust visual settings.

The Virtual Boy is officially back, but I've got bad news for those of you without the new Switch 2 goggles
By Phil Hayton published
News You can technically play Virtual Boy games on Switch without the retro console remake, but Nintendo's app currently makes doing so pretty awkward.

I have 100 different ways to play The Legend of Zelda, but I'm still using the Game and Watch ahead of the 40th anniversary
By Phil Hayton published
News The Zelda Game and Watch is one of my favorite ways to play the first adventure ahead of its 40th anniversary, and now is an ideal time to grab the handheld.

Valve finally admits the Steam Deck is out of stock thanks to "memory and component shortages", and I'd be surprised if the Steam Machine still happens
By Phil Hayton published
News Valve says the Steam Deck "may be out-of-stock intermittently in some regions due to memory and storage shortages", shedding more doubt on Steam Machine plans.

My favorite N64 controller in the color I actually want is weirdly hard to find at Amazon, but it does exist
By Phil Hayton published
News Yes, the gray 8Bitdo N64 controller is still available at Amazon, so you can grab the most authentic colorway ahead of The Legend of Zelda's 40th anniversary.

In honor of Sega Genesis designer Hideki Sato, I spent the weekend with an original Mega Drive
By Phil Hayton published
News In tribute to the late Hideki Sato, I spent my weekend playing an original Sega Mega Drive, and I reckon everyone should try the OG '80s system at least once.

The Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition is neat and all, but I'd still recommend playing the PS1 original on original hardware
By Phil Hayton published
News The Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition is now available, but I reckon you'll get more out of the collection if you play the PS1 original on a retro console.
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