Which game deal trackers are best for finding historical low prices on PC/console games?

Unlocking the Best Deals: Why Historical Low Prices Matter

For avid gamers, the thrill of diving into a new adventure or revisiting a classic is unmatched. However, the price tag associated with top-tier titles can often put a dent in your wallet. Savvy gamers know that patience and the right tools can lead to incredible savings, often allowing them to purchase games at their historical lowest prices. But with hundreds of digital storefronts and frequent sales, how do you keep track?

This is where game deal trackers come in. These invaluable resources monitor prices across numerous platforms, providing you with data on past sales and alerting you when a game hits an all-time low. Understanding a game’s price history is crucial, as it helps you differentiate a good deal from a truly exceptional one, saving you money and avoiding buyer’s remorse.

Top Game Deal Trackers for PC and Console

While many sites claim to find deals, a select few stand out for their accuracy, comprehensive data, and user-friendly features, especially when it comes to historical price tracking.

IsThereAnyDeal (ITAD)

Considered the gold standard for PC game price tracking, IsThereAnyDeal (ITAD) aggregates prices from nearly every reputable PC game retailer, including Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Humble Store, and many more. Its strengths lie in its extensive historical price charts, personalized wishlists with email alerts for desired price drops, and region-specific pricing. ITAD is indispensable for PC gamers looking to optimize their digital game library purchases.

CheapShark

CheapShark is another powerful aggregator, focusing on PC games, but also including some console deals. It offers a straightforward interface to quickly compare prices across major digital storefronts. While its historical data presentation might be less detailed than ITAD’s, CheapShark excels at presenting current best deals and offers a robust API, making it a popular backend for other deal tracking services. It’s excellent for a quick glance at today’s lowest prices.

GG.deals

GG.deals combines the best of both worlds, providing a sleek interface with comprehensive price tracking for PC games. It pulls data from a vast array of stores, including key sites and authorized resellers. What sets GG.deals apart is its robust filtering options, regional pricing comparisons, and the ability to integrate your existing game libraries (Steam, Epic, GOG) to suggest games you might enjoy or track prices for your wishlist. Its historical price charts are clear and easy to interpret, making it a favorite for many.

DekuDeals (Nintendo Switch Specific)

For Nintendo Switch enthusiasts, DekuDeals is an absolute must-have. It meticulously tracks prices for both digital (eShop) and physical Switch games across various retailers in multiple regions. DekuDeals offers detailed historical price charts, wishlist functionality with custom price alerts, and even separates pricing for physical cartridges versus digital downloads. If you own a Switch, DekuDeals will save you significant money.

Console-Specific Trackers (PlayStation, Xbox)

While not as centralized as PC game trackers, dedicated sites and features exist for console gamers:

• PSNProfiles / PS Deals: Sites like PSNProfiles often track PlayStation Store sales and provide historical data, especially around trophy hunting. Dedicated “PS Deals” type sites also pop up frequently.
• XB Deals / TrueAchievements: Similarly, for Xbox, sites like XB Deals (xbdeals.com) or the deal sections of TrueAchievements track Xbox store sales, game pass inclusions, and historical prices for digital titles.
• Retailer-Specific Alerts: Many major retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop) allow you to set price alerts for specific games, especially for physical copies.

Tips for Maximizing Your Game Savings

Simply knowing about these trackers isn’t enough; using them effectively is key:

1. Set Up Price Alerts: Almost all good trackers offer email or push notifications when a game on your wishlist drops to a desired price. Don’t miss out!
2. Compare Across Platforms: If a game is available on PC and console, compare prices. Often, the PC version will see deeper or more frequent discounts.
3. Consider Subscription Services: Games often enter services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus Extra. Factor in if you already subscribe or plan to.
4. Be Patient: Most games eventually hit a historical low. Unless you need to play a game on launch day, waiting a few months can save you significant cash.
5. Check Reputable Stores Only: Stick to stores listed by trackers like ITAD or GG.deals, as they generally vet their sources to avoid grey market keys.

Conclusion

Finding historical low prices on PC and console games is no longer a treasure hunt; it’s a science, aided by powerful digital tools. By leveraging trackers like IsThereAnyDeal, CheapShark, GG.deals, and DekuDeals, you can ensure your gaming library grows without emptying your wallet. Embrace smart shopping, set your alerts, and enjoy more games for less!