
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

Ahead of the Switch 2, I’ve found new appreciation for the Switch Lite
By Phil Hayton published
Feature The Nintendo Switch 2 might boast enhanced specs and a larger screen, but the Switch Lite could still be the right handheld for many players.

The best gaming PC 2025: Take the pre-built route to greatness
By Duncan Robertson last updated
Buying guide We're rounding up all the best gaming PCs on the market from budget builds to higher-end rigs ready for the next generation of gaming.

LG UltraGear 27GX790A-B review: “strikes a slick balance for competitive shooters”
By Phil Hayton published
Review The LG UltraGear 27GX790A-B is a speedy 1440p 480Hz monitor that's great for competitive play and detailed adventures, but its capabilities are slightly niche.

Best Xbox Series X hard drive, SSD, and memory card solutions in 2025: all the fastest solutions we've tested
By Rosalie Newcombe last updated
Buying Guide We're rounding up the best Xbox Series X hard drives, expansion cards, and portable SSDs so you can get the right storage solution for you.

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.

Best retro game consoles 2025: my favorite ways to play classic capers
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying guide Here are the best retro game consoles in 2025, including mini plug-and-play systems, emulation devices, and accessories that will upscale your original hardware.

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 in 2024, including desktop hubs that'll turn your handheld into a hybrid PC and travel friendly adapters.

Everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2
By Sam Loveridge last updated
Nintendo Switch 2 We're rounding up everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2, with all the latest updates and details surrounding Ninty's latest console

RTX 5080 stock: where to grab Nvidia's Blackwell GPU right now
By Phil Hayton last updated
Here are the latest RTX 5080 stock updates for Nvidia's Blackwell 4K graphics card, including buying advice and recommended retailers.

For the same price as a Switch 2 game, you can now grab my favorite mini console for playing crusty old Atari adventures
By Phil Hayton published
Deal The Atari 400 Mini is now down to the same price as a new Switch 2 game, and it's perfect for retro console collectors and curious newcomers alike.

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.
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