Best sites to track Xbox, PlayStation & Switch game deals & codes?
Never Pay Full Price: Your Guide to Gaming Deals
In the vast and ever-growing world of video games, keeping up with the latest titles can be an expensive hobby. Fortunately, a savvy gamer knows that paying full price is often optional. With a little help from the right websites and tools, you can discover incredible deals, discounts, and even free codes for your favorite Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch games. This guide will help you navigate the best online resources to ensure you always get the most bang for your buck.
Top Sites for Tracking Game Deals
Whether you’re hunting for a physical copy or a digital download, these sites are your go-to for finding the best prices across all platforms:
- CheapAssGamer (CAG): A long-standing community forum renowned for its vigilant deal hunters. CAG covers deals across all major consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch) and PC, including physical copies, digital sales, and even pre-order bonuses. Their forums are a goldmine for real-time alerts.
- IsThereAnyDeal: While primarily focused on PC game deals from various digital storefronts, IsThereAnyDeal is an invaluable tool for understanding price history and general trends, which can sometimes hint at console sales. It aggregates deals from over 200 stores and offers robust wishlisting and price alert features.
- Reddit (r/GameDeals & r/ConsoleDeals): Reddit’s gaming deal communities are incredibly active. Users post deals as soon as they go live, often providing direct links and discussions on whether a deal is truly good.
r/GameDealscovers everything, whiler/ConsoleDealsis more focused on PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch. - Dealabs / HotUKDeals (and international counterparts): These community-driven deal aggregation sites (like Dealabs for France, HotUKDeals for UK, MyDealz for Germany, etc.) feature dedicated gaming sections. Users post deals from various retailers and digital storefronts, and the community votes on their hotness, ensuring only the best rise to the top.
- Specific Console Store Trackers: Keep an eye on the official storefronts. For PlayStation, sites like PS Deals track the PlayStation Store. For Xbox, the official Xbox website often highlights sales. Nintendo’s eShop sales are often covered by fan sites and official announcements.
Discovering Game Codes and Digital Keys
Beyond traditional sales, digital game codes and keys offer another avenue for savings. However, caution is advised when dealing with third-party key resellers. Stick to reputable sources:
- Humble Bundle & Fanatical: These sites are kings of the game bundle, offering collections of games at deep discounts, often with a portion going to charity. They frequently feature bundles for PC, but occasionally include console codes or platform-agnostic redeemable keys. Keep an eye out for their flash sales and themed bundles.
- Official Publisher/Developer Sales: Many publishers (e.g., EA, Ubisoft, Activision) and individual developers run direct sales on their own websites, sometimes offering unique codes or steeper discounts than what’s found on console storefronts.
- Reputable Digital Retailers: Beyond the console stores, digital retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop frequently sell digital codes for console games, often matching or beating console store sales.
Maximizing Your Savings: Pro Tips
Being a smart deal hunter involves more than just knowing where to look. Implement these strategies to truly optimize your game spending:
- Set Up Price Alerts: Most deal tracking sites (e.g., IsThereAnyDeal, PS Deals) and even some retailers allow you to set up email or push notifications for games on your wishlist. You’ll be notified instantly when a game drops to your desired price.
- Check Price History: Before buying, look at the game’s price history. Many sites provide charts showing past sale prices. This helps you determine if the current discount is truly exceptional or if you should wait for a better deal.
- Distinguish Between Digital and Physical: While digital convenience is great, physical copies sometimes see deeper discounts, especially for older titles. Always compare prices for both formats.
- Utilize Console-Specific Services: Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online often include free games or significant discounts for subscribers, making them excellent value propositions.
- Wait for Major Sales Events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, E3 sales, and console-specific seasonal sales (e.g., PlayStation’s Days of Play, Xbox’s Ultimate Game Sale, Nintendo’s Festive Deals) are prime times for the steepest discounts.
Start Saving on Your Next Gaming Adventure
Armed with these resources and tips, you’re well-equipped to become a master game deal tracker. Gone are the days of impulse buying at full price. By strategically using these websites, setting up alerts, and understanding price trends, you can build an impressive game library for Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch without breaking the bank. Happy gaming, and even happier saving!
