What are the best tools to track PC and console game deals for wishlist price drops?

Never Miss a Game Deal Again: Your Guide to Price Drop Trackers

For avid gamers, few things are more satisfying than snagging a long-awaited title at a significant discount. However, manually checking dozens of digital storefronts daily for price drops on your ever-growing wishlist is a daunting, if not impossible, task. Fortunately, a robust ecosystem of tools and websites has emerged to simplify this process, allowing you to track PC and console game deals effortlessly. This guide will walk you through the best platforms to ensure your wishlist games land in your library at the perfect price.

PC Gaming Deal Trackers: Your Digital Discount Scouts

The PC gaming market is vast, with numerous storefronts like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Humble Store, and many more. Dedicated aggregators are essential for navigating this landscape.

IsThereAnyDeal (ITAD)

IsThereAnyDeal is arguably the gold standard for PC game price tracking. It compiles deals from over 100 digital storefronts, allowing you to add games to your waitlist and receive email alerts when they hit a desired price point. Key features include historical low prices, regional pricing information, and even bundle tracking. It’s an indispensable tool for serious PC deal hunters.

GG.deals

Similar to ITAD but with a often praised modern interface, GG.deals offers comprehensive price comparison across numerous PC stores. It also features price alerts, historical data, and useful filters for DRM-free games, game bundles, and more. Its clean design makes tracking multiple games a breeze.

CheapShark

For a straightforward and fast approach, CheapShark is an excellent choice. While its interface might be simpler, it efficiently aggregates deals from major PC digital retailers. It’s particularly useful for quick price checks and for those who prefer a no-frills experience.

Native PC Store Wishlists

Don’t overlook the built-in wishlists on platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.com. These will often notify you directly when games on your list go on sale within their respective ecosystems. While not comprehensive for cross-store comparisons, they’re a good first line of defense.

Console Deal Trackers: Hunt for Bargains on Your Favorite Platforms

Console gaming deals, while sometimes less frequent than PC, can still offer significant savings. Dedicated trackers for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo are crucial.

DekuDeals (Nintendo Switch)

DekuDeals is the undisputed champion for Nintendo Switch game deals. It tracks prices from the Nintendo eShop (both digital and physical retailers), provides historical price data, and allows users to set alerts for digital and physical versions of games. It’s meticulously maintained and highly reliable for Switch owners.

PSPrices / PlatPrices (PlayStation)

For PlayStation enthusiasts, PSPrices (also known as PlatPrices in some regions) is an invaluable resource. It monitors the PlayStation Store across various regions, provides price history, and lets you create a wishlist for email notifications on price drops. It’s essential for tracking PS4 and PS5 game deals.

XBDeals (Xbox)

XBDeals serves Xbox gamers by tracking prices on the Xbox Store. It offers similar features to its PlayStation counterpart, including price history, regional pricing, and customizable alerts for games on your wishlist. It also highlights games included with Xbox Game Pass or Games with Gold.

First-Party Console Store Wishlists

Just like on PC, the official wishlists on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Nintendo eShop will notify you when games on your list go on sale within their own platforms. These are good for initial alerts, but dedicated trackers offer more data and flexibility.

Cross-Platform Solutions & Browser Extensions for Seamless Tracking

While most of the above tools specialize, some offer broader coverage or enhance your deal-hunting experience.

Browser Extensions

Several browser extensions can enhance your deal tracking. For example, some extensions for Steam can show you historical price data directly on the store page, or alert you if a game is cheaper on another verified retailer. These integrate seamlessly into your browsing experience.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Game Deal Savings

Having the right tools is only half the battle. Here are some strategies to ensure you get the best deals:

• Set Price Alerts: Don’t just add to a wishlist; set a specific price you’re willing to pay. The tools mentioned above excel at this.
• Utilize Historical Price Data: Check a game’s price history. This helps you understand if the current ‘sale’ price is genuinely good or if it frequently drops even lower.
• Be Patient: Most games, especially single-player titles, will eventually see significant discounts. The longer you wait, the deeper the cuts often become.
• Consider Bundles and Subscriptions: Humble Bundle, Fanatical, and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus Extra often include games from your wishlist, offering immense value.
• Check for Regional Differences: Sometimes, games are significantly cheaper in other regions, especially for PC digital keys. Be aware of any potential region locks before purchasing.

Conclusion: Smart Shopping for Your Gaming Library

Gone are the days of missing out on great game deals. With the powerful array of PC and console game deal trackers available, you can build an impressive gaming library without breaking the bank. By utilizing tools like IsThereAnyDeal, GG.deals, DekuDeals, PSPrices, and XBDeals, alongside smart shopping strategies, you’ll be notified the moment your desired games hit their lowest prices. Happy hunting, and enjoy your new games!