
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

Nintendo Switch 2 HDR explained: "How High Dynamic Range enhances the handheld's visuals"
By Phil Hayton last updated
Features 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.

LG OLED TV I'd pair with the Switch 2 just got Memorial Day'd
By Phil Hayton published
Deals The LG OLED B4 is $150 off at Best Buy for Memorial Day, and it could make for a fantastic gaming TV upgrade ahead of the Switch 2 launch.

Some of the top Samsung OLED monitors around are down for Memorial Day, including my favorite 1440p gaming screen
By Phil Hayton published
Deals Amazon has knocked up to 41% off Samsung gaming monitors for Memorial Day, including the 240Hz version of my current favorite 1440p OLED display.

One of the sharpest 4K QD-OLED monitors I've tested is cheaper for Memorial Day
By Phil Hayton published
The Alienware AW2725Q is one of the sharpest QD-OLED 4K monitors around, and Memorial Day has knocked a nifty $100 off its usual price tag.

The best CPU for gaming 2025: Processing power unleashed
By Duncan Robertson last updated
Buying Guide Here are the best CPUs for gaming we can recommend - you'll be glad to know they're more affordable than you'd think.

The best Steam Deck accessories 2025: handy handheld add-ons
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buyers 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.

The best Steam Deck dock 2025: 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.

A new MSI Claw has arrived, and I'm hyped about the handheld's AMD chip
By Phil Hayton published
News MSI has announced a new Claw handheld that uses a Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip that will help give players the "freedom to choose between AMD and Intel."

I spent my first few hours with the RTX 5060 playing Doom: The Dark Ages, and it feels pretty slick for under $300
By Phil Hayton published
Features I've been using the RTX 5060 to play DOOM: The Dark Ages with DLSS 4 enabled, and the GPU looks to be respectably speedy for under $300.

I've put together a walking desk setup that's helping me hit my daily steps while playing Oblivion Remastered
By Phil Hayton published
Features I've put together a walking gaming desk setup that's helping me get my steps in and make time for Oblivion Remastered, Expedition 33, and DOOM: The Dark Ages.

The Lenovo Legion Go S just dropped to a new low price, and I'd actually grab it over the SteamOS version
By Phil Hayton published
Deal The Windows 11 Lenovo Legion Go S is now under $600 at Best Buy, and its beefier specs make it worth grabbing over the SteamOS version.

MSI Claw 8 AI+ review: "a high-spec handheld second wind"
By Phil Hayton published
Review The MSI Claw 8 AI+ makes a strong case for Intel handhelds with punchy performance and a larger 8-inch display, and it's a huge improvement over the original.

I played Doom the Dark Ages at over 500fps, proving Nvidia DLSS 4 was made for high-refresh rate monitors
By Phil Hayton published
Features DOOM: The Dark Ages comes with Nvidia DLSS 4 frame boosting tricks built in, and I've been using the RTX 5080 to hit over 500fps using a 600Hz monitor.

The Xbox handheld just leaked, and it looks more like the PlayStation Portal than I was expecting
By Phil Hayton published
News Microsoft's upcoming Xbox handheld has leaked thanks to an FCC filing, and it'll allegedly come in two flavors that look almost like PS Portal rivals.

For $10 less than Mario Kart World, you can buy this portable monitor for your Switch 2 and race your pals in the garden
By Phil Hayton published
Deal You can currently grab a 15.6-inch 1080p portable monitor at Amazon for less than a Switch 2 game, and it'll pair nicely with the handheld for alfresco gaming.

The best portable monitors for gaming 2025
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide We're running down the top contenders for best portable monitor across the price and quality spectrums.

Uperfect Umax 24 review: “pushes the definition of a portable monitor in the best way possible”
By Phil Hayton published
Review The Uperfect Umax 24 is ridiculously large for a portable monitor at 24.5 inches, but it puts its size to good use alongside lightweight 1440p 165Hz specs.

Now that the Series S costs even more, I can't help but feel Microsoft wants us to look at handhelds and say, "this is an Xbox"
By Phil Hayton published
Features The Xbox Series S just got more expensive, so now could be the right time to look at handheld alternatives specifically for Game Pass.

The Switch 2 will send my OG handheld into retirement, so I'm giving it this discounted upscaler as a leaving gift
By Phil Hayton published
Deals The Marseille mClassic just dropped back under $80, and it'll boost your OG Switch graphics for the same price as a new Switch 2 game.

Best ultrawide monitor 2025: Big and wide gaming displays
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide Here are the best ultrawide monitor options available right now, including speedy gaming screens and OLED panels that will dominate your desk.

Best curved gaming monitor 2025: "get with the curve"
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.

The best monitor for PS5 2025: high spec screens for the OG and Pro
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide Here are the best monitors for PS5 in 2024, including 4K UHD displays and OLED panels that will make your favorite PlayStation adventures pop.

Planning on using the Steam Deck as a Switch 2 console alternative? I'd start with this discounted dock
By Phil Hayton published
Deal You can now grab a Syntech Steam Deck dock thanks to Amazon's Gaming Week, and it could fulfil your hybrid console cravings if you're not getting a Switch 2.
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