
Phil Hayton
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

Best monitor for Xbox Series X 2025
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 best 4K monitor for gaming 2025: the greatest UHD panels I've tested yet
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying guide I've been testing all the best 4K gaming monitors on the market, finding the biggest and brightest panels for your next setup upgrade.

Best graphics card 2025: the top GPU options I'd recommend for PC gamers
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying guide We're rounding up the best graphics card options available now, including Nvidia, AMD, and Intel GPUs that cater to gaming PC players across the board.

Best Alienware gaming PC 2025: Out of this world Aurora builds
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying guide Here are the best Alienware gaming PCs available in 2024, including Nvidia RTX-powered rigs and machines armed with cutting edge DDR5 RAM.

I've been testing high refresh rate monitors ahead of Overwatch 2 Season 16, and there's one that'll be sick for Stadium
By Phil Hayton published
News Overwatch 2 Season 16 is upon us, and after testing the 27-inch LG UltraGear 27GX790A-B, I'm itching to play Blizzard's new Stadium mode using the OLED monitor.

One of my favorite retro controllers of all time is now both wireless and will work with the Switch 2
By Phil Hayton published
News The Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Pro is a wireless gamepad that looks like the 90s original, but it fuses retro console vibes with features that benefit the Switch 2.

The Scuf Valor Pro is getting a bunch of new "Creator Design" controller flavors that pay homage to NoisyButters, A-Ali, Scump, and more
By Phil Hayton published
News Scuff has announced a new Valor Pro controller collection that includes unique designs by well known creators like A-Ali, NoisyButters, Scump, and more.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti review: “a decent GPU that has arrived at a bad time”
By Phil Hayton published
Review The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti packs respectable 1440p performance into what should be a GPU for under $450 / £450, but it's at the mercy of custom pricing.

Nvidia just made its RTX 5060 graphics cards starting at $299 official, but I'm pretty nervous about actual pricing
By Phil Hayton published
News Nvidia has officially announced new RTX 5060 GPU starting at $299, and the line up includes 8 and 16GB Ti models that will arrive tomorrow, April 16.

RTX 5090 stock: where to grab the new Nvidia flagship graphics card
By Phil Hayton last updated
Trying to find where to buy the RTX 5090 right now is tricky, but I'm here with stock updates and advice that'll help you grab the Nvidia graphics card.

Jsaux is working on "feature-rich" Switch 2 dock options that include a fan, and hoping they'll boost docked performance
By Phil Hayton published
News A new "feature-rich" Switch 2 dock range is on the way by Jsaux, and the accessory maker has confirmed options with a fan built in will be available.

I'm testing a comically large "portable" monitor that will be perfect for Switch 2
By Phil Hayton published
Deals Uperfect UMax 24 admittedly pushes the definition of a "portable" monitor, but its 1440p 165Hz abilites could pair wonderfully with the Switch 2.

Nintendo quietly clarifies that the Switch 2 GameCube controller will only work with the Online Classics library, potentially dashing my original console plans
By Phil Hayton published
News Small print included in Nintendo's Switch 2 GameCube trailer states that the controller will only work with the Online library and not regular games.

My favorite 4K OLED gaming monitor is overkill for Switch 2, but I'm still itching to play Metroid Prime 4 on it
By Phil Hayton published
Deals The 32-inch LG UltraGear 32GS95UV might be geared towards PC players, but its high refresh 4K OLED abilities could be killer if paired with the Switch 2.

Nintendo says your old Switch HDMI cable "isn't compatible" with the Switch 2, but I'd argue that's not strictly true or helpful
By Phil Hayton published
News Nintendo says your old Switch HDMI cable isn't compatible with Switch 2, but since that's not strictly true, I'm here to clear things up about TV connectivity.

The best gaming handheld 2025: my top portable PC and console recommendations
By Phil Hayton last updated
Hardware Here are the best gaming handheld options in 2024, including the Nintendo Switch, portable PCs like the Steam Deck, and other systems we've put to the test.

Nintendo Switch 2 HDR explained: "how High Dynamic Range enhances the handheld's visuals"
By Phil Hayton published
Feature Here's a breakdown of Switch 2 HDR and things to consider when using the feature in handheld and docked mode, including TV and monitor specs pointers.

Best PS5 external hard drives 2025: excellent portable SSD and HDD options
By Rosalie Newcombe last updated
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.

Lenovo Legion R27qe: a solid 1440p monitor with some cost-cutting caveats
By Phil Hayton published
Review The Lenovo Legion R27qe packs nice 1440p 180Hz monitor specs for under $200, and it makes for a nice QHD jumping on point for budget players.

I'm getting a Switch 2 day one, but I still still be using my original GameCube to play all my favorite oldies
By Phil Hayton published
Feature The Switch 2 might be gaining Online GameCube games, but I've got a setup that will let you upscale the retro console's library and play on modern screens.

AI upscaling explained: the DLSS sauce set to boost Switch 2 performance
By Phil Hayton last updated
Feature Here's everything you need know about AI upscaling, including a break down of Nvidia DLSS, alternatives like FSR 4, and what the feature could do for Switch 2.

I'm willing to give Switch 2 mouse controls a chance, but only if they avoid the sins of the Lenovo Legion Go
By Phil Hayton published
Feature Switch 2 JoyCons boast a mouse mode feature that's similar to the Lenovo Legion Go, but Ninty's new handheld will hopefully pull it off properly this time.

This one Nintendo Switch 2 dock feature could make the Steam Deck look silly
By Phil Hayton published
Feature The new Switch 2 dock features a fan that will keep the handheld cool when running games at 4K, and that's something a docked Steam Deck can't pull off.
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