Skip to main content
Phil Hornshaw

Phil Hornshaw

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Phil Hornshaw is an author, freelance writer and journalist living in Los Angeles. He is the co-author of The Space Hero's Guide to Glory: How to Get Off Your Podunk Planet and Master the Final Frontier and So You Created a Wormhole: The Time Traveler's Guide to Time Travel. He also spends a lot of time writing about video games.

Playstation 4 Controller

How to sync a PS4 controller to pair it with a console or device

For owners of a PS4 or PS4 Pro system, syncing your controllers shouldn’t be an issue, but we’re here with our guide to clear up any confusion you might have.
A Nintendo Switch, undocked, laying on a table.

How to factory reset a Nintendo Switch (and Switch OLED)

Having problems with your Nintendo Switch? We have step-by-step instructions for restoring it to its out-of-the-box state. There's more to it than you think!
White PS4 under white DualShock 4 controller.

How to factory reset a PS4 to fix issues or for resale

In most cases, restarting your PS4 will fix any issues you're having, but sometimes a factory reset is the only solution. Here's how to factory reset a PS4.
Discord

What is Discord? What you need to know about the messaging app

Discord is a video game-focused voice and chat app that you'll want to start using if you're a gamer. Here's everything you need to know about Discord.
marvel's spider-man taskmaster challenges guide tips bombs shoot webs

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Taskmaster challenges guide

The many challenges set out by Taskmaster in Marvel's Spider-Man are some of the toughest you can find in the game. Here's what you need to know to get an edge.
Xbox X Controller.

How to sync an Xbox One controller with your console

Setting up a new controller? Here's what you need to know to sync your Xbox One controllers to your console and troubleshoot any problems that may pop up.
how to trade in pokemon go pokemongo godavid grandmougin am1io6kusfm unsplash

How to trade with other trainers in Pokémon Go

You can now trade Pokémon with your friends in Pokémon Go, but there are a few rules you'll have to follow in order to start trading. Here's how it works.
how to transfer data from one nintendo switch to another transferring

How to transfer data from one Nintendo Switch to another

It isn't easy, but you can transfer most files from one Nintendo Switch to another, including saves, games, screenshots, and video clips. Here's how to do it.
Playstation 4

How to use a VPN with your PlayStation 4

Using a VPN on your PS4 will allow you to browse region-locked content and take on players from around the world. Setting one up, however, takes some work.
top tech stories 04 17 2016 sony ps4 controller 0001

How to record and share gameplay on the PlayStation 4

No matter if you stumble upon an Easter egg in The Last of Us Part II or steal a win in Apex Legends, you can easily record your gameplay on PS4. Here's how.
best cheap xbox one games 2017 s review 9

Xbox One vs. Xbox One S: Is a mid-tier upgrade worth your money?

To help you decide between the original Xbox One and the Xbox One S, here's a spec comparison that covers everything you should know about the two consoles.
oculus debuts new vr headset rift s

The best Oculus Rift games

The Oculus Rift brought back virtual reality and put a modern twist on it. Jump into the fun and take a look at the best Oculus Rift games available right now.
god of war valkyries guide niflheim featured

God of War guide for vanquishing all nine villainous Valkyries

The Valkyries in God of War are no joke, and taking them down will require a bit of strategy. We have some tips on how to overcome these nine powerful foes.
best weapons in 'Destiny 2' Sweet Business

The best weapons in Destiny 2, and where to find them

We've got a list of the best weapons you can find in Destiny 2 and where to find them, including ones from Curse of Osiris, Warmind, Forsaken, and Beyond Light.
Mass Effect: Andromeda

Mass Effect: Andromeda: The best weapons in the galaxy you should craft

Mass Effect: Andromeda has nearly 70 weapons to choose from, so we've laid out the 16 most powerful, accurate, and hardcore weapons you won't want to miss.
detroit become human ending guide protest

Detroit: Become Human endings guide

Detroit: Become Human has a lot of endings. Although it's tough to get them all, you can still guide the game in the right direction if you know where to look.
dark souls iii guide  20200925131848

Dark Souls III beginner’s guide: Tips and tricks for intimidated first-timers

Dark Souls III is intimidating but can be overcome if you learn how it works. Fortunately, this guide is chock-full of tips and tricks to get you started.
god of war niflheim ivaldi's workshop guide battles

God of War: Niflheim and Ivaldi’s Workshop guide

Ivaldi's Workshop in Niflheim is one of the toughest challenges in God of War. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to navigate the poison, maze, and traps.
destiny 2 warmind worldline zero guide memory fragments exotic sword

Destiny 2: Warmind Worldline Zero Exotic sword guide

Hidden in the second expansion for Destiny 2, titled Warmind, are 45 colored items known as test nodes. Finding them unlocks the Worldline Zero Exotic sword.
Someone playing Fortnite on a phone.

9 tips to help you master Fortnite on your smartphone

Winning a Fortnite match on your phone requires getting used to new touchscreen controls. Here's what you need to know to win your first mobile Victory Royale.
how to take a screenshot on the nintendo switch 2020082610252200 045b57cf1a7936dcd924c36515c75e20

How to take a screenshot with your Nintendo Switch

You can easily snap screenshots of games on your Nintendo Switch, save them, add text to them, and post them to social media. Here's how to do all of that.
marvel's spider-man combat suit mod guide improvise

The ultimate guide to Marvel’s Spider-Man: Combat, suits, and mods

You need the best of the best when kicking butt as Spider-Man. Here are the best loadouts for every situation.
sea of thieves how to play solo sail

Who needs a crew? How to sail solo in Sea of Thieves

Looking to sail the ocean blue in Sea of Thieves, but don't want to assemble a ramshackle crew of scoundrels? These tips will help you best other crews alone.
How to Find/Kill the Kraken in Sea of Thieves

How to find and kill the Kraken in Sea of Thieves

Here's everything you need to know for you and your crew to survive an encounter with the deadly Kraken in Sea of Thieves -- and even win some loot in battle.
sea of thieves how to play solo sanctuaryoutpost 2

Sea of Thieves beginner’s guide

There is a whole lot to know about sailing, plundering, and fighting other pirates in Sea of Thieves. Our tips will make you the best privateer on the ocean.
god of war muspelheim niflheim cipher pieces mason channel 2

God of War: Muspelheim and Niflheim cipher collectibles guide

Scattered across Midgard in God of War are eight pieces of language ciphers that can get you to Muspelheim and Niflheim, two of the game's toughest challenges.
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds Advanced tactics guide

PUBG tips and tricks

These PUBG tips and tricks will elevate your game to the next level. There's far more to the game than loot and shoot. Use these strategies to win more games.
no mans sky tips version 1471340423 man s 20160808075708

No Man’s Sky: 20 essential tips for starting out

No Man's Sky is as vast as it is complex, especially when it comes to crafting and repairs. Here are a few tips and tricks to start navigating the galaxies.
call of duty ww2 headquarters guide

Call of Duty: WW2: Everything you need to know about the headquarters

The new Headquarters in Call of Duty: WW2 is where you'll take care of most of your multiplayer character-building. Here's all the info about this social space.
god of war nornir chests collectibles guide 4 fire troll arena

God of War Nornir treasure chests collectibles guide

Nornir chests are tough to unlock, but the rewards can be great. Here is how to use your knowledge and skills to open these chests and gain the rewards.
god of war combat guide runic attack

God of War combat guide: How to crush enemies with Kratos

The combat featured in the new God of War is full of axe-throwing and creative combo-making, meaning there's a lot to learn. Here is how to become a deadly god.
Destiny 2 warmind sleeper simulant guide finish

How to get the Sleeper Simulant in Destiny 2: Warmind

The Exotic fusion line rifle Sleeper Simulant is hidden deep in the new Destiny 2: Warmind expansion. Here's everything you need to get your hands on one.
star wars battlefront ii how to earn credits fast

Dominate the galaxy with our Star Wars: Battlefront II multiplayer guide

We put together a whole slate of tips that will help you blast through enemy armies, win starfighter dogfights, and get the best Star Cards in Battlefront 2.

Here’s every Xbox One X Enhanced game that supports 4K resolution

Microsoft boasts that its Xbox One X is the most powerful console ever released, with increased frame rates, quicker load times, 4K resolution, and much more.