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
I've worked every PlayStation launch in the last 18 years, here are my top tips on pre-ordering PS5 Pro
By Phil Hayton published
Feature Here are five tips to keep in mind when pre-ordering the PS5 Pro, including console bundles advice and things to avoid at the checkout.
Zotac Zone review: “a promising Steam Deck OLED rival”
By Phil Hayton published
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.
For under $150, this 1440p Acer gaming monitor is an absolute steal - but it won't last long
By Phil Hayton published
Deals You can currently grab an Acer 1440p 170Hz gaming monitor for under $150 thanks to a Best Buy limited time deal, but you'll want to be quick.
One of the top Alienware gaming monitors around just dropped to a new record low price
By Phil Hayton published
Deals The Alienware AW3423DW just dropped to its lowest-ever price, and the QD-OLED gaming monitor is now better value at a chunk under $1,000.
Best PS5 external hard drives 2024 - easily expand your console's storage
By Phil Hayton last updated
Buying guide We've rounded up the best PS5 external hard drives to help you find the perfect one for your gaming setup.
LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B OLED review: “The most versatile gaming monitor I’ve tested yet”
By Phil Hayton published
Reviews The LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B offers fantastic OLED visuals and an invaluable dual-resolution mode that’ll suit competitive players and fidelity seekers alike.
The OLED monitor I’m dying to use with PS5 Pro is back down to its lowest-ever price
By Phil Hayton published
Deals The Philips Evnia 42M2N8900 just dropped under $900 at Amazon, and the 4K 138Hz gaming monitor could be the perfect match for the upcoming PS5 Pro.
The PS5 Pro might finally kill off performance mode, and the PC player in me is ecstatic
By Phil Hayton published
Feature The PS5 Pro could make choosing between performance and fidelity mode a thing of the past, restoring old-style console optimization while embracing PC frame rates.
The Samsung mini LED TV I’ve been testing is the next best thing to OLED, and it’s down to a record-low price
By Phil Hayton published
Deals The Samsung QN85D just dropped to a new record-low price at Amazon, and it’s worth checking out if you want a super bright gaming TV just in time for the PS5 Pro.
Turns out the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 already exists, but I’m not mad about it
By Phil Hayton published
News The upcoming Acer Nitro Blaze 7 seemingly features the same design as the $1,000 Terrans Force Handle 5, but that could be great news in terms of price.
How we test gaming monitors at 12DOVE
By Phil Hayton last updated
Review Guide Our methods and practices for testing gaming monitors at 12DOVE to help you get the most out of our reviews, guides, and analysis.
Anbernic RG Cube review: “I’ve completely fallen for this weird little handheld”
By Phil Hayton published
Review The Anbernic RG Cube boasts fantastic retro versatility thanks to its square screen and emulation abilities, alongside controls that rival premium handhelds.
Even my mom wouldn’t judge me for buying this Ms Pac-Man arcade machine at its lowest price
By Phil Hayton published
Deals You can current grab a Arcade1Up Ms. PAC-Man Countercade at its lowest ever price thanks to a 33% discount, and the mini Arcade isn't much bigger than a PS5.
For a chunk under $300, I'd give Intel's best graphics card a go
By Phil Hayton published
Deals You can currently grab an Intel Arc A770 graphics card at Amazon for just $269.99, making it one of the cheapest current gen GPUs around.
I’m hyped to see Best Buy stocking premium Ayaneo handhelds, but the prices are scary
By Phil Hayton published
News Best Buy now has stock of the Ayaneo Kun and Next Lite, but the premium handheld gaming PC range will set you back far more than an Asus ROG Ally or Steam Deck.
Best Xbox Series X hard drive, SSD, and memory card solutions in 2024
By Phil Hayton 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 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.
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