Best way to track PC game deals & console sales without missing out?
Never Miss a Discount: Your Guide to Gaming Savings
In the vast and ever-expanding world of video games, finding your next adventure doesn’t have to break the bank. PC game deals and console sales are a frequent occurrence, but keeping track of them all can feel like a game in itself. The good news is, with the right strategies and tools, you can bag those AAA titles and indie gems at a fraction of their original price.
Harnessing the Power of Deal Aggregators
Dedicated deal aggregation websites are perhaps the most powerful weapons in a savvy gamer’s arsenal. These platforms scour dozens of digital storefronts and retailers, compiling a comprehensive list of active discounts. Sites like IsThereAnyDeal (primarily PC), CheapShark (PC and console), and regional deal sites (e.g., HotUKDeals, Dealabs) allow you to search for specific titles, set price alerts, and see historical price data.
- IsThereAnyDeal: Excellent for PC games, tracking prices across Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Humble Store, and more. You can add games to a waitlist and receive email notifications when they drop to your desired price.
- CheapShark: Similar to IsThereAnyDeal but covers a broader range, including console games. It’s great for quick price comparisons and setting up alerts.
Leveraging Platform-Specific Wishlists and Notifications
Most major digital storefronts for PC and consoles offer built-in wishlist features that are incredibly useful. Don’t underestimate them!
- Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG (PC): Add games to your wishlist, and you’ll often receive email notifications directly from the platform when those games go on sale.
- PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop (Consoles): Similarly, wishlisting games on these platforms will often trigger notifications when discounts occur, making it easy to track sales on your preferred console ecosystem.
Subscribing to Newsletters and Following Social Media
Many game retailers, publishers, and deal-focused websites run their own newsletters and maintain active social media presences. Subscribing or following can give you an early heads-up on flash sales and promotions.
- Retailers: Sites like Fanatical, Green Man Gaming, CDKeys, and even Amazon often have exclusive deals for newsletter subscribers.
- Publishers: Following major publishers (e.g., EA, Ubisoft, Activision) on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook can alert you to their own sales events.
- Gaming News Sites & Influencers: Many gaming news outlets and influencers specialize in reporting on deals and will share significant sales events as they happen.
Timing Your Purchases: Understanding Sale Cycles
While deals can pop up at any time, understanding general sale cycles can significantly boost your chances of saving. Major seasonal sales are reliable opportunities:
- PC (Steam, Epic, GOG): Expect big sales during Summer, Autumn (Black Friday/Cyber Monday), Winter (Christmas/New Year), and sometimes Spring. Publisher-specific sales and weekly deals are also common.
- Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo): Major console storefronts often mirror PC sales cycles, with significant events around holidays, Black Friday, and occasionally dedicated “Golden Week” or “Summer Savings” events.
Don’t forget about specific anniversaries or events related to a game or franchise, which can also trigger unexpected discounts.
The Art of Patience and Persistence
The best strategy for tracking game deals often boils down to patience. Almost every game eventually goes on sale, especially a few months after release. By utilizing wishlists, deal aggregators, and notifications, you can set it and forget it, waiting for that perfect price point to hit. With a little persistence, you’ll build an impressive game library without ever paying full price again.
