Best tools to compare digital game prices & find hidden PC/console deals?
In the vast and ever-expanding universe of digital gaming, snagging the best deals can feel like an impossible quest. With countless storefronts, fluctuating prices, and limited-time offers, knowing when and where to buy can save you a significant chunk of your gaming budget. Thankfully, a suite of powerful tools and smart strategies exist to help you become a master deal hunter, uncovering hidden gems for both your PC and console libraries.
Why Savvy Price Comparison is Crucial
Gone are the days when a game’s price was set and stagnant. Digital marketplaces like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, PlayStation Store, Xbox Games Store, and Nintendo eShop frequently host sales, flash deals, and seasonal discounts. Without a centralized way to track these, you risk overpaying or missing out on a fantastic bargain. Efficient price comparison not only saves you money but also helps you make informed purchasing decisions, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.
Top Tools for PC Game Deals
1. IsThereAnyDeal (ITAD)
Considered the gold standard for PC game price tracking, IsThereAnyDeal aggregates prices from over 40 legitimate digital storefronts, including Steam, GOG, Humble Store, Green Man Gaming, Epic Games Store, and more. You can create a wishlist, set price alerts for specific games, and even see historical low prices to determine if a current deal is truly the best it’s ever been. It’s an indispensable resource for any serious PC gamer looking to save.
2. SteamDB
While primarily a database for all things Steam, SteamDB also offers excellent price tracking, including historical low prices and sale predictions for games on Valve’s platform. It’s fantastic for checking if a game on your wishlist is likely to go on sale soon, or to see how often a title typically gets discounted. Its comprehensive data makes it a powerful complementary tool to ITAD.
3. Bundle & Key Reseller Sites (Caution Advised)
Sites like Humble Bundle and Fanatical regularly offer curated game bundles at incredibly low prices, often supporting charity. These are legitimate and excellent sources for expanding your library. Sites like Green Man Gaming also frequently have competitive sales. However, exercise caution with ‘key reseller’ sites; while some are reputable, others can pose risks. Always stick to officially authorized retailers to avoid potential issues.
Navigating Console Game Deals
Console digital storefronts, while less fragmented than PC, still require smart navigation to find the best deals.
1. DekuDeals (Nintendo Switch)
For Nintendo Switch owners, DekuDeals is an absolute must-have. It tracks prices for both digital eShop titles and physical cartridge versions across various retailers. You can create wishlists, set price drop alerts, and view historical prices, making it incredibly easy to snap up those first-party Nintendo games when they finally go on sale.
2. Direct Store Tracking (PlayStation Store, Xbox Games Store)
While not third-party aggregators in the same vein as ITAD, both the PlayStation Store and Xbox Games Store have robust sale sections and the ability to add games to a wishlist. Most console apps and websites will notify you when a wishlisted game goes on sale. For more detailed historical data, specific websites like PS Deals or Xbox Deals can sometimes offer insights, or you can check aggregators that include physical console game sales.
Beyond the Obvious: Finding Hidden Gems & Deeper Discounts
1. Wishlists and Price Alerts
This is arguably the most effective passive strategy. Add every game you’re interested in to your wishlists on storefronts and price tracking sites. Then, set up email or browser notifications for price drops. This ensures you’re immediately aware when your desired title hits a new low.
2. Historical Price Tracking
Always check a game’s price history. A ‘deal’ might look good, but if it frequently goes lower, you might want to wait. Tools like IsThereAnyDeal and SteamDB excel at this, showing you how often a game goes on sale and its lowest historical price.
3. Subscription Services & Bundles
Services like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Humble Choice offer incredible value, often including day-one releases or a rotating library of games for a monthly fee. Keep an eye out for game bundles from sites like Humble Bundle, Fanatical, or even publisher-specific bundles, which can provide many games for a fraction of their individual cost.
4. Free Game Giveaways
Platforms like Epic Games Store frequently give away free PC games. Amazon Prime Gaming also offers free titles monthly. Keep an eye on these giveaways to expand your library without spending a dime.
5. Regional Pricing & VPNs (Use with Caution)
Game prices can vary significantly by region. While some gamers use VPNs to purchase games from cheaper regions, this can violate terms of service and potentially lead to account bans. Proceed with extreme caution and understand the risks involved.
Maximize Your Gaming Budget
Becoming adept at tracking digital game prices is an invaluable skill for any modern gamer. By leveraging robust tools like IsThereAnyDeal and DekuDeals, utilizing wishlists, and staying aware of historical price trends, you can significantly reduce your gaming expenses and build an impressive library without breaking the bank. Happy hunting!
