How to track game deals across Steam, Epic, GOG & consoles to ensure the best price?

Why Savvy Deal Tracking is Crucial for Gamers

In the vast and ever-expanding universe of video games, finding your next adventure doesn’t have to break the bank. With a multitude of digital storefronts like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG competing for your attention, alongside the dynamic marketplaces of PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, prices fluctuate constantly. Mastering the art of deal tracking is no longer just a hobby for budget-conscious gamers; it’s an essential skill to maximize your gaming library without overspending. Understanding when and where to buy can save you significant amounts, allowing you to invest in more games, DLC, or gaming hardware.

Essential Tools and Websites for PC Game Deals

PC gamers have a robust ecosystem of tools designed to compare prices across various digital distributors. These aggregators are your first line of defense against paying full price.

Cross-Store Price Comparison Tools:

• IsThereAnyDeal (ITAD): This is arguably the most comprehensive aggregator. ITAD tracks prices from a multitude of authorized PC game retailers, including Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Humble Store, Fanatical, Green Man Gaming, and many more. You can create a wishlist, set up price alerts for specific games, and even see historical low prices, helping you determine if a current deal is truly the best.
• GG.deals: Similar to ITAD, GG.deals provides price comparisons, historical data, and deal alerts across a wide array of PC game stores. Its interface is user-friendly, often highlighting current best deals and upcoming sales events.

Platform-Specific Insights:

• SteamDB: For Steam users, SteamDB is an indispensable resource. While ITAD and GG.deals cover Steam prices, SteamDB offers unparalleled insight into Steam sales history, package details, price changes across regions, and allows you to track games directly from your Steam wishlist more closely.
• Epic Games Store & GOG: While these platforms are included in the general aggregators, it’s also wise to check their official websites regularly during their major seasonal sales (e.g., Epic Mega Sale, GOG Winter/Summer Sales) for exclusive deals or free game giveaways that might not be highlighted elsewhere as prominently.

Tracking Console Game Discounts

Console gamers also have excellent resources for staying on top of sales, though the ecosystem is slightly different due to fewer competing storefronts.

PlayStation Store Deals:

• PSDeals.net: This site meticulously tracks all discounts on the PlayStation Store across different regions. You can filter by platform (PS5, PS4, PS VR), genre, and even set up email alerts for games on your watchlist. It also shows historical prices.
• Official PlayStation Blog: Sony regularly announces major sales events and weekly deals on its official blog. Keeping an eye on this is crucial for timely updates.

Xbox Store Deals:

• Xbox-Now.com: Similar to PSDeals, Xbox-Now tracks deals on the Xbox Store, including discounts for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. It’s great for comparing prices across different regional stores to find the cheapest option, though be mindful of region lock implications.
• Major Nelson’s Blog: The official blog of Larry Hryb (Major Nelson) often provides early looks and detailed lists of weekly Xbox deals with Gold and other sales.

Nintendo eShop Sales:

• DekuDeals.com: This is the go-to site for Nintendo Switch, 3DS, and Wii U deals. DekuDeals tracks eShop sales, physical game discounts from various retailers, and even amiibo prices. Its wishlist and alert system is incredibly robust.
• Nintendo.com Sales Section: The official website’s sales page is always up-to-date with current eShop discounts.

Setting Up Wishlists and Price Alerts

The most passive yet effective way to track deals is to use the wishlist and alert features offered by these tracking websites and the storefronts themselves. Add all the games you’re interested in to your wishlists on ITAD, GG.deals, PSDeals, Xbox-Now, or DekuDeals. Then, configure email or browser notifications to be triggered when a game drops below a certain price or reaches its historical low. This way, the deals come to you, rather than you having to constantly hunt for them.

Understanding Sales Cycles and Major Events

Digital storefronts typically follow predictable sale patterns. Knowing these cycles can help you anticipate when your desired game might go on sale.

• Seasonal Sales: All major platforms (Steam, Epic, GOG, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo) have massive seasonal sales – Spring, Summer, Autumn/Fall, and Winter/Holiday sales. These are often the biggest discounts of the year.
• Publisher Sales: Publishers frequently host their own sales, discounting their entire catalog on all platforms.
• Mid-Week/Weekend Deals: Smaller, shorter sales often occur weekly, especially on PC platforms.
• Special Events: Keep an eye out for platform-specific events like Epic Mega Sale (known for giving away free AAA games and steep discounts), PlayStation Days of Play, or Xbox Black Friday sales.

Beyond Digital: Physical Copies & Bundles

While digital is convenient, physical copies for consoles can often be found cheaper, especially during major retail events like Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day. Always compare prices with major physical retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, Target, etc.) using sites like DekuDeals for Nintendo or by simply searching for the game. Additionally, consider game bundles from sites like Humble Bundle or Fanatical, which often offer a collection of games for a fraction of their individual prices, sometimes including games from your wishlist.

Pro Tips for Savvy Shoppers

• Regional Pricing: Be aware that prices vary by region. While it’s possible to exploit this with VPNs, be cautious as it can violate terms of service and lead to account issues.
• Check Free Games: Epic Games Store, Prime Gaming, and sometimes GOG regularly give away free titles. Make sure you claim these!
• Consider Subscriptions: Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium, and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack often include hundreds of games that might be on your wishlist, potentially negating the need to buy them.
• Patience is Key: Almost every game eventually goes on sale. Unless you absolutely must play a game at launch, patience can save you a lot of money.

Never Pay Full Price Again

By leveraging dedicated deal-tracking websites, setting up wishlists and alerts, and understanding the ebb and flow of sale cycles, you can become a master of finding the best game deals across Steam, Epic, GOG, and all major console platforms. With a little effort and the right tools, you’ll be able to expand your gaming library efficiently and affordably, ensuring you never miss out on a great title or pay more than you have to.