Best tools to track game price history for Steam, PlayStation, Xbox deals?
Unlock Smart Savings: Why Price Tracking is Essential for Gamers
For avid gamers, the thrill of a new release is only matched by the excitement of a significant discount. With thousands of titles available across Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox, and sales cycles that can be unpredictable, manually monitoring prices for every desired game is an impossible task. This is where dedicated game price trackers become invaluable, transforming you from a casual browser into a savvy deal hunter.
These powerful tools help you keep tabs on price fluctuations, alert you to sales, and provide historical data to ensure you’re always getting the best possible deal. No more buyer’s remorse after purchasing a game only to see it drop in price days later.
Key Features to Look for in a Game Price Tracker
Before diving into specific recommendations, understanding what makes a price tracker effective is crucial. Look for tools that offer:
- Price History Graphs: Visual data showing a game’s price over time, including its lowest historical point.
- Wishlist Integration: The ability to add games you’re interested in and receive notifications specifically for them.
- Email/Push Notifications: Alerts directly to your inbox or phone when a game on your wishlist hits a target price or goes on sale.
- Multi-platform Support: Tools that cover PC (Steam, Epic, GOG), PlayStation, and Xbox stores.
- Store Comparison: Showing prices from various retailers to ensure you buy from the cheapest source.
- Regional Pricing: Awareness of different prices across various geographical storefronts.
Top Tools for Tracking PC (Steam) Game Deals
IsThereAnyDeal
IsThereAnyDeal (ITAD) is widely considered the gold standard for PC game deal aggregation. It tracks prices across dozens of PC storefronts, including Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Humble Store, and many more authorized resellers. Its comprehensive price history graphs, robust wishlist management, and detailed email alerts make it indispensable for PC gamers.
SteamDB
While primarily a comprehensive database for all things Steam, SteamDB offers incredibly detailed price history for every game on the platform. You can view all past sales, regional pricing, and the lowest historical price for any title. It’s essential for verifying the true value of a Steam sale and ensuring you’re not paying more than necessary.
Top Tools for Tracking Console Game Deals (PlayStation & Xbox)
PSDeals & Xbox-Now
For console gamers, platform-specific sites often provide the most accurate and timely information. PSDeals is fantastic for tracking PlayStation Store sales, including both digital and often physical deals from major retailers. It provides excellent filtering options and detailed price history.
Similarly, Xbox-Now offers a comparable service for Xbox games, tracking prices across various regional Xbox stores and highlighting current discounts. Both sites offer robust alert systems to notify you of price drops on your desired titles.
DekuDeals (Honorable Mention for Nintendo)
While not for Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox, DekuDeals sets the bar for console deal tracking with its exceptional service for Nintendo Switch games. Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive price history (for both eShop and physical copies), and robust alert system make it a benchmark for what to look for in any console price tracker.
Cross-Platform & Aggregator Tools
CheapShark
CheapShark is a powerful aggregator that covers PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo games across a vast number of digital and even some physical retailers. Its strength lies in its ability to compare prices from many different sources simultaneously. You can set up price alerts for specific games and platforms, making it a versatile tool for gamers who play across multiple systems.
Tips for Maximizing Your Savings
- Create Wishlists: Utilize the wishlist features on these sites to automatically track games you’re interested in.
- Set Realistic Alert Thresholds: Don’t set your alert for an unrealistically low price; aim for a price point you’re comfortable with.
- Understand Sales Cycles: Major sales events (e.g., Steam Summer Sale, Black Friday, PlayStation Days of Play) often offer the deepest discounts.
- Check Regional Stores: Sometimes, games are cheaper in different regions, though this might require a bit more effort to purchase.
- Combine with Loyalty Programs: Stack discounts from price trackers with any loyalty points or memberships you might have.
Conclusion
Navigating the vast world of video game deals can be overwhelming, but with the right tools, you can transform from a casual shopper into a savvy deal hunter. By leveraging price trackers like IsThereAnyDeal, SteamDB, PSDeals, Xbox-Now, and CheapShark, you’ll ensure you’re always getting the best price for your favorite titles across Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox. Happy gaming, and even happier saving!
