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 upcoming G'AIM'E Time Crisis light gun console is now up for pre-order, and my trigger fingers are twitching with excitement
By Phil Hayton last updated
You can now pre-order the G'AIM'E Time Crisis Lightgun system, and the retro console could help you play one of the greatest arcade shooters ever for under $100.

For under $250, I'd pick up this retro Apple Mac-inspired mini PC over a handheld
By Phil Hayton published
Deals The Ayaneo Mini PC AM01 is a fantastic tiny rig that'll save you from using a more expensive docked handheld to play lighter PC adventures and retro games.

Baseus 6-in-1 Docking Station review: “my new favorite Steam Deck dock”
By Phil Hayton last updated
Review The Baseus 6-in-1 Docking Station is more than just a Steam Deck dock, and its adjustable cradle makes it one of the best handheld gaming PC accessories around.

Evercade Alpha review: “an excellent cartridge solution to my arcade problems”
By Phil Hayton last updated
Review The Evercade Alpha is a fantastic at-home arcade machine for players looking to play a variety of games, and the Street Fighter version is a must have for fans.

One of the few third-party Switch 2 docks that works is back down in price, but I'm still furious at Nintendo
By Phil Hayton published
Deal The only third-party Switch 2 dock I've tested that works is back under $25, and it's worth grabbing for the handheld if you need something travel-friendly.

"The most simple, yet effective way to keep your setup effortlessly neat" - Meet the new Secretlab Magnus model that could finally destroy the spaghetti monster under my desk
By Phil Hayton published
News Secretlab just unveiled the Magnus Evo, a new gaming desk that pairs "purposeful features that do all the organization for you" with standing functionality.

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.

Cyber Monday gaming PC deals 2025: rig reductions to expect in the sale
By Duncan Robertson last updated
Deals Cyber Monday gaming PC deals are about to make a comeback, so here's all the discounts and rig reductions to expect when the sale event kicks off this December.

PlayStation Portal review: “I wish I could take this one trick pony outside”
By Phil Hayton last updated
Review The PlayStation Portal is a reliable PS5 remote player, it's lack of functionality and gaming handheld features make it a portable one trick pony.

Modretro Chromatic review: "a remarkable modern Game Boy that'll outlive my original"
By Phil Hayton last updated
Review The Modretro Chromatic is a beautiful Game Boy Color homage that uses accurate FPGA tech and premium perks to give the classic handheld a 2024 glow up.

The Analogue 3D might be delayed, but I can confirm its 8Bitdo N64 controller is worth the hype
By Phil Hayton last updated
Review The 8Bitdo N64 Bluetooth Controller for Analogue 3D is a fantastic modern Nintendo 64 gamepad that blends authentic design with contemporary comfort.

Zotac Zone review: “a promising Steam Deck OLED rival”
By Phil Hayton last updated
Review The Zotac Zone is a punchy gaming handheld with pro-controller elements, an AMOLED display, and competitive performance, but its price is an Achilles heel.

Black Friday gaming monitor deals 2025: what to expect next month
By Phil Hayton last updated
Deals Black Friday gaming monitor deals will return November 2025, and we're already painting a picture of panel deals to expect.

"It really was Asus, because this is their hardware" - I feel like Microsoft is pinning the ROG Xbox Ally X's $1,000 price tag on its creator
By Phil Hayton published
News Microsoft has revealed that the $1,000 for the ROG Xbox Ally X is the result of Asus' "insight into the market," and "what people want" from a gaming handheld.

Black Friday retro deals: handheld and console offers to watch for this November
By Phil Hayton published
Deals Here's what to expect from Black Friday retro deals ahead of the big sale next month, including consoles and handhelds to watch out for and insights.

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.

Best Black Friday 4K 120Hz TV deals 2025: what to expect this year
By Phil Hayton last updated
Deals Here's all the 4K 120Hz TV Black Friday deals in 2024, including display discounts that have popped up again.

"The system that sparked a console war!" - I can't believe Atari is bringing Intellivision back from the dead
By Phil Hayton published
News Atari just announced the Intellivision Sprint, a remake of the iconic woodgrain '80s console with HDMI output, wireless controllers, and 45 built-in games.

Black Friday Steam Deck deals 2025: What to expect from this year's sale
By Phil Hayton last updated
Deals Black Friday Steam Deck deals are on their way, and we've got all you need to know about this year's sales.

Black Friday graphics card deals 2025: what to expect from GPU offers this year
By Phil Hayton last updated
Deals Black Friday graphics card deals will return this November, so here's an idea of what to expect from the sale in 2025 and GPUs to watch.

How to choose a gaming handheld (by someone who tests the latest portables)
By Phil Hayton published
Guides Here's a rundown on how to choose a gaming handheld, including tips on exploring games you want to play, setting a budget, and picking specific features.

Where to buy the ROG Xbox Ally: live stock updates for the new handheld PC
By Phil Hayton last updated
News Here's where to buy the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds when the handheld launches today, including live stock updates, recommended retailers, and buying advice.

I regret to inform you that I've fallen for the $1,000 ROG Xbox Ally X
By Phil Hayton published
Review The ROG Xbox Ally X is a fantastic premium gaming handheld that directly caters to both console fans and PC players, but its price tag is pretty unapproachable.
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more





