Latest articles by Phil Hayton
The Steam Machine promises a 4K 60fps experience, but I'd pair it with a 1440p monitor if you're sensitive to disappointment
News Pairing the upcoming Steam Machine with a 1440p monitor could be an optimal way to play, and I've got three QHD panel picks that'll help the mini PC shine.
Valve has shared new Steam Machine Verified guidance at GDC
News Valve has shared more Steam Machine Verified game requirements at GDC 2026, and the checklist includes the same 1080p 30fps performance as the Steam Deck.
I feel like I can't escape Xbox drama, as even new retro handheld emulators are causing a stir over app charges
News Xbox emulation has arrived on Android handhelds thanks to a new Xemu port, but the developer has caused a stir by charging $8 for the app on the Play Store.
You can now use an OG Virtual Boy controller wirelessly with the Switch, and I'm hoping it inspires Nintendo to create its own new pad
News Modder RetroOnxy has cooked up a Virtual Boy wireless controller mod that will let you use the original pad with your Switch and a bunch of other devices.
I respect the Virtual Boy as a collectable Switch 2 gadget, but it’s not exactly a retro console remake
Review The Virtual Boy for Switch 2 is a great interactive collectible, and while it serves as a way to play Nintendo's infamous retro console, it's not a true remake.
The Mario Game and Watch isn't my favorite version, but it does at least have the real sequel for MAR10 day
News Picking up a Mario Game and Watch handheld makes for a nice way to celebrate MAR10 Day in 2026, and it'll actually provide you with the real 1986 sequel.
If Sony thinks surge pricing won't prompt me to shun new-gen consoles and go back to the PS1, it should think again
News Sony is apparently trialling PS5 surge pricing for games, so I reckon we should all just revert back to using the PS1 where dynamic discounts can't find us.
After years of torturing myself over NES color accuracy, it turns out there is no consensus for how the retro console should look
News It turns out that there's no consensus on how NES games like Super Mario Bros should look, and it's all thanks to the retro console's original video output.
Valve keeps doubling down on a Steam Machine 2026 release date, and I honestly respect that
News Valve has reconfirmed that the Steam Machine will ship in 2026 alongside the controller and Steam Frame, providing reassurance amidst Ramageddon.
The next-gen Xbox is basically being pitched as a Steam Machine rival
News Backwards compatibility will make or break Project Helix
The best gaming TV 2026: my top high-spec living room screens
Buying Guide Here are my best gaming TV picks, including the latest OLED models by LG, affordable mini LED options by Hisense, and Sony screens with exclusive PS5 features.
The Super Pocket is down to a no-brainer price, but I'd hang fire if you prefer N64 platformers like Banjo-Kazooie
Deals You can now grab a Super Pocket Data East Edition at Woot for under $45, and the retro handheld is worth grabbing if you're not waiting on the Rare version.
The "oldest" Nintendo PlayStation add-on now lives at the National Videogame Museum, and it almost looks like one of my weird SNES accessories
News The National Videogame Museum in Texas has acquired an early Nintendo PlayStation attachment that's the "only known unit to exist".
It's no Steam Machine, but if you've got a grand to splash on a tiny rig, I'd check out this NES-inspired mini PC
News The ACEMAGIC Retro X5 Mini PC that packs 32GB RAM and a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 into a NES-themed shell just hit Amazon, and could serve as a lower spec Steam Machine
26 years ago today, the PS2 arrived and changed console gaming as we know it, and I'm giving it modern gifts for its birthday
News The PS2 is celebrating its 26th birthday, and I'm still using my original retro console today alongside gadgets that give it a modern edge.
If you can stomach second-hand gaming handhelds, I'd look at refurbed Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go to survive RAMageddon
News Finding handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally and Legion Go for under $500 is tricky, so I'd have a look at second-hand options while we endure RAMageddon.
The Analogue Pocket and its portable peers are all creeping up in price
News The Analogue Pocket is back in stock for $20 more than before, thanks to US tariffs, while RAMageddon is hitting devices like the Ayn Odin and Retroid Pocket 6.
I'd probably enjoy the Game Boy Jukebox more if Nintendo released a proper retro handheld remake first
News The Pokemon Game Boy Jukebox is a cute collectible, but it doesn't feel like an appropriate homage to one of the most important retro handhelds of all time.
Lenovo just teased a big silly folding handheld concept, and its far from the Steam Deck rival I keep begging for
News The Lenovo Legion Go Fold is a new concept handheld that doubles up as a laptop, but it's the last thing we need amid Steam Deck shortages.
Pikachu just turned 30, so I'm celebrating by using an original N64 to play Pokémon Stadium in style
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
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
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
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.
