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
The best gaming PC 2024: 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.
Best monitor for Xbox Series X 2024
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 portable monitors for gaming 2024
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide We're running down the top contenders for best portable monitor across the price and quality spectrums.
The best 4K monitor for gaming 2024: Superb UHD screens for console and PC
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying guide Here are the best 4K gaming monitor options in 2024, including high refresh screens and displays that'll pair nicely with your PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
I’d hold off on buying a graphics card right now, but not because the RTX 5090 is coming
By Phil Hayton published
Features The graphics card deals scene is in a bit of an MSRP pickle, and while I don’t think waiting for an RTX 5090 will solve the issue, it could help usher in better savings.
AOC AGON Pro AG246FK review: “this gaming monitor made me feel like an esports pro”
By Phil Hayton published
Review The AOC AGON Pro AG246FK is a 540Hz speed demon that will provide hyper-response visuals in FPS games, but its 1080p TN abilities won’t be for everyone.
The fact you can buy Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver for the Super Pocket but not on Steam is why I adore the retro handheld
By Phil Hayton published
Features You’ll soon be able to play Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver on the Super Pocket, and its library of preserved physical PS1 games makes the retro handheld special.
The best PC cases 2024: perfect shells for high-spec rigs
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide We're running you through all the best PC case options available on the market right now, catering to all major form factors and styles.
Hisense U7N review: “a mid-range mini-LED TV champ”
By Phil Hayton published
Rebiew The Hisense U7N is a excellent gaming TV with a speedy 144Hz mini LED panel, and while it doesn't match OLED rivals on vibrancy, it's great value for money.
The Atari 7800 is back, and the retro console now has HDMI and wireless controllers
By Phil Hayton published
News Atari just announced the 7800+, a recreation of the company’s ‘80s console that comes armed with a cartridge slot, HDMI output, and a wireless gamepad.
The Zotac Zone just entered the handheld ring with a $799 price tag, but I’m scared it’ll become a punching bag
By Phil Hayton published
News The Zotac Zone has officially launched with a $799 MSRP, but the handheld gaming PC will need to justify its premium price to avoid a Steam Deck OLED knockout.
The best Steam Deck dock 2024: Park your portable PC
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.
The Asus ROG Ally just dropped to a new record low, and I can’t believe the handheld is this cheap
By Phil Hayton published
Deals Best Buy just knocked the Asus ROG Ally down to a new record low, and the handheld gaming PC offers punchy performance for under $500.
Antec’s take on the Ayaneo Slide just arrived, and I’m pretty pleased with the handheld’s price
By Phil Hayton published
News The Antec Core HS has officially landed, and while the handheld is a rebranded Ayaneo Slide, I am hyped about its $499 launch price.
Best cheap gaming PC deals August 2024
By Phil Hayton last updated
Deals Here are the best cheap gaming PC deals available right now, including shiny new RTX 4060 builds and reliable RTX 3060 machines that pack a punch.
The best OLED TV for gaming 2024 - embrace incredible contrast
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying Guide Here are the best OLED TVs for gaming, including budget options and premium panels that'll breathe life into your favorite console and PC adventures.
How we test graphics cards at GamesRadar+
By Phil Hayton last updated
Hardware Here's how we test graphics cards at GamesRadar+, including the methods we use to conduct GPU benchmarks, tested games, and scoring information.
The compact Xbox Game Bar is fine, but I hope it’s not a Windows handheld bandage
By Phil Hayton published
Feature Microsoft just released a new compact Xbox Game Bar that’s a better fit for gaming handhelds, but Windows 11 needs a better solution for portable devices.
Dell just unveiled a new Alienware gaming monitor that appeals to two gamers within me
By Phil Hayton published
news The Alienware AW2725QF is an upcoming dual-resolution gaming monitor that can do both 4K 180Hz and 1080p 360Hz all while still offering great visuals.
I'm so close to buying my own LG OLED G4 thanks to this deal
By Phil Hayton published
Deals You can currently grab the LG OLED G4 for under $3,000 thanks to an 18% discount, and the gaming TV deal might be the perfect excuse to upgrade your panel.
The best Steam Deck accessories 2024: 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.
Best high refresh rate monitors for gaming 2024: Top options for speed across all budgets
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying guide Here are the best high refresh gaming monitor models we've tested, including speedy OLED panels, affordable 360Hz options, and everything in between.
Acefast Desktop Power Station Z4 review: “I now use this charger for all gaming desk gadgets”
By Phil Hayton published
Review The Acefast Power Station Z4 is an incredibly versatile charging hub for handhelds, laptops, and more that takes little desktop room thanks to GaN technology.
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