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

The best gaming sound systems 2026: the top speakers for console and PC
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide Here are the best gaming sound system options for console and PC, including surround sound speakers and sound bars for your desk and living room.

Best curved gaming monitor 2026: displays I'd grab for immersive PC visuals
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide Here are the best curved gaming monitor options, including high refresh screens and ultrawide displays that'll envelop you with immersive visuals.

Best HDMI cable for PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch 2, and PC in 2026
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide We're rounding up your top options for the very best HDMI cable for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC you can get.

Best standing desk 2026: Switch from seat to feet
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide We're rounding up all the best standing desks that you can buy in 2024, including premium and budget options for working at home and playing PC games.

The best portable monitors for gaming 2026
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide We're running down the top contenders for best portable monitor across the price and quality spectrums.

The best monitor for PS5 2026: 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 120Hz 4K TV 2026: screens for new consoles and PC
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide We've rounded up the best 120Hz 4K TVs going right now to ensure you can pick from the specialist screens to bag the highest refresh rate on a home TV.

Best gaming desk 2026: 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.

The best Steam Deck accessories 2026: the add-ons I'd buy for Valve's handheld day one
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide Here are the best Steam Deck accessories available for Valve's handheld PC, including our top case, docking station, keyboard, mouse, and SSD picks.

Best monitor for Xbox Series X 2026
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide Here are the best monitors for Xbox Series X right that'll pair nicely with Microsoft's console, whether you're on a budget or looking for something premium.

The ROG Xbox Ally is cheaper than the Steam deck OLED in a last-minute deal, and I'm laughing at the timing
By Phil Hayton published
News If you're quick, you can grab a ROG Xbox Ally handheld for less than a Steam Deck OLED and get it to your door in time for Christmas.

The cheapest Steam Deck is heading into retirement, and I'm already worried about handheld prices in 2026
By Phil Hayton published
News Valve just officially discontinued the Steam Deck LCD 256GB, meaning the $400 / £349 handheld will no longer be available once it has sold out.

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 will allegedly turn into a big Steam Deck at CES, but I'm hoping it'll also be cheaper
By Phil Hayton published
News Rumors of a SteamOS Lenovo Legion Go 2 handheld annoucement at CES 2026 are making the rounds, and it could end up being a more price-approachable version.

Amid the RAMocalypse, people are turning old AMD crypto mining "PS5" boards into Max Max Steam Machines
By Phil Hayton published
News It turns out you can turn AMD's BC-250 crypto mining board into a DIY Steam Machine, and it's trimmed down PS5 APU is punchier than you'd think.

Ayaneo's monstrous Next 2 is now open to sign-ups, but I'd brace for a heeby jeeby price compared to the ROG Xbox Ally X
By Phil Hayton published
News Early bird registrations for the Ayaneo Next 2 are now open, but the premium handheld will undoubtedly cost way more than a ROG Xbox Ally X.

The best gaming monitor 2026: the most impressive displays I've tested this year
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide Here are the best gaming monitor models in 2024, including punchy OLED panels, super speedy screens, and brilliant budget options.

The Commodore 64 Ultimate is the C64 remake enthusiasts deserve, and I’m bracing for a huge microcomputer revival
By Phil Hayton published
Review The Commodore 64 Ultimate is an ultra-authentic C64 remake that blends old functionality with modern tricks, and it could spark a massive microcomputing revival

Hey mom and dad, those PS5 and Xbox handhelds your kids want for Christmas aren't what you think
By Phil Hayton published
News If you're looking to pick up the PlayStation Portal or Xbox Ally ahead of Christmas, there are a few things you should know about both handhelds before buying.

New Analogue 3D "Funtastic" N64 colors are dropping today with 2000s vibes and matching controllers
By Phil Hayton last updated
News The Analogue 3D is getting a bunch of new colors via a highly limited Funtastic range, allowing fans to grab a 4K N64 with 2000s vibes for $299.

Abxylute just revealed a $70 Android handheld with questionable specs, but the OG Xbox lover in me is delighted
By Phil Hayton published
News The Abxylute E1 is a new dual OS retro handheld with Android and Linux capabilities, and while its specs are underwhelming, it is giving big OG Xbox vibes.

Best gaming handheld 2026: I'd hit these portable PCs and emulation consoles first
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide Here are the best gaming handheld options in 2026, including the Nintendo Switch 2, portable PCs like the Steam Deck OLED, and various other great devices.

Leaks point towards a new OneXPlayer handheld with a next-gen "Pather Lake" Intel chip within
By Phil Hayton published
News Benchmarks for a yet-to-be-released OneXPlayer handheld PC with an Intel Pather Lake chipset have leaked, but it'll wear a familiar premium price tag.

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.

Like some sort of handheld necromancer, this modder just transformed the Wii U Gamepad into a Switch Lite, and I both love and hate it
By Phil Hayton published
News What do you get when you cross a Switch Lite with a Wii U Gamepad? You get this Ultimate Switch U by modder KOUZEX that's beautifully cursed.
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