How do I set up game deal alerts & apply coupon codes for maximum savings?
Unlock Incredible Savings on Your Favorite Games
In the vast and ever-growing world of video games, staying on top of new releases and expanding your library can be an expensive hobby. However, with a smart approach to deal alerts and coupon codes, you can significantly cut down costs and enjoy more games for less. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to become a savvy game shopper, ensuring you never pay full price again.
Setting Up Game Deal Alerts: Your First Line of Defense
The key to catching the best deals is to be notified the moment they go live. Manual checking of countless storefronts is inefficient and often fruitless. Automated deal alerts are your best friend.
Utilize Wishlists on Digital Storefronts
- Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop, GOG: Most major digital platforms allow you to add games to a wishlist. When a game on your wishlist goes on sale, you’ll typically receive an email notification. This is the simplest and most direct method for games you’re already eyeing on a specific platform.
Dedicated Deal Tracking Websites
For a broader approach, third-party deal aggregators are indispensable. These sites track prices across multiple retailers, including official stores and authorized key resellers.
- IsThereAnyDeal.com: This is arguably the most comprehensive tracker. You can import your Steam wishlist (and others) and set up email alerts for specific price drops or percentage discounts across numerous stores. It also provides price history graphs, so you can gauge if a ‘deal’ is truly a good price.
- CheapShark.com: Similar to IsThereAnyDeal, CheapShark also aggregates deals from various PC game stores and allows you to set up alerts.
- Console-Specific Trackers: Websites like PSDeals or DekuDeals (for Nintendo Switch) specialize in console game sales, often including physical retailers.
Browser Extensions and Mobile Apps
Some tools offer real-time notifications or price comparisons directly in your browser or on your phone.
- Browser extensions can highlight current deals or price history when you’re browsing game pages.
- Mobile apps from deal sites often send push notifications for your wishlisted games, ensuring you’re always aware, even on the go.
Mastering Coupon Codes: The Art of Stacking Savings
Once a game is on sale, the next step is to see if you can apply a coupon code for an additional discount. This is where significant savings often come from.
Where to Find Coupon Codes
- Retailer Newsletters: Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite game retailers (Humble Bundle, Fanatical, Green Man Gaming, Eneba, etc.). They frequently send out exclusive coupon codes to subscribers.
- Coupon Websites: Sites like RetailMeNot, Honey, or Dealabs often list active coupon codes for various online stores. Always check these before making a purchase.
- Social Media & Forums: Follow game retailers and deal-focused accounts on social media. Gaming subreddits (e.g., r/gamedeals) are also excellent sources for discovering new codes.
- During Checkout: Sometimes, retailers will display available coupon codes or promotions directly in the shopping cart or checkout process.
How to Apply Coupon Codes
The process is generally straightforward:
- Add the desired game(s) to your shopping cart.
- Proceed to the checkout page.
- Look for a field labeled ‘Coupon Code,’ ‘Promo Code,’ ‘Discount Code,’ or similar. This is usually located near the order summary or payment information.
- Enter the code exactly as it appears (case-sensitive, no extra spaces).
- Click ‘Apply’ or ‘Redeem’ to see the discount reflected in your total.
Tips for Maximizing Coupon Code Effectiveness
- Check Expiration Dates: Coupon codes are time-sensitive. Always verify their validity.
- Read the Fine Print: Some codes have exclusions (e.g., ‘not valid on pre-orders,’ ‘only applies to certain publishers,’ ‘minimum purchase required’).
- Stacking Codes: While rare, some retailers allow you to combine multiple codes. Experiment by applying them one by one. More commonly, you can combine a sale price with a coupon code.
- Region Restrictions: Ensure the coupon code is valid for your geographical region.
Advanced Strategies for Ultimate Savings
Beyond alerts and codes, consider these additional tactics:
Wait for Major Sales Events
Plan your purchases around seasonal sales like Steam Summer/Winter Sales, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and publisher-specific sales. These often feature the deepest discounts of the year.
Bundle Deals and Subscriptions
- Humble Bundle/Fanatical Bundles: These offer collections of games for a fraction of their individual price, often benefiting charity.
- Subscription Services: Services like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Humble Choice provide access to a large library of games for a monthly fee, which can be far more cost-effective than buying games individually.
Loyalty Programs and Student Discounts
Many retailers offer loyalty points or student discounts that can be combined with sales and sometimes even coupon codes for extra savings.
Conclusion: Play More, Pay Less
By diligently setting up deal alerts and becoming adept at finding and applying coupon codes, you transform from a casual shopper into a strategic consumer. The thrill of getting a game you’ve been eyeing for a fraction of its original price is incredibly satisfying. Start implementing these strategies today, build your dream game library without breaking the bank, and enjoy the fruits of your smart shopping!
