How do I set up alerts for the best game deals on my PC & console wishlist?
Hunting for game deals can feel like a full-time job, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few smart tools and strategies, you can automate the process of finding the steepest discounts on games you actually want to play. Whether you’re a PC master race enthusiast or a console loyalist, setting up alerts for your wishlist is key to saving money and expanding your game library without breaking the bank.
Leveraging PC Platform Wishlists
Most major PC game distribution platforms offer robust wishlist features that often include deal notifications. Steam, being the largest, is a prime example. Simply add games to your Steam wishlist, and you’ll typically receive email notifications when those games go on sale. Ensure your account settings allow for these promotional emails.
Other PC storefronts like the Epic Games Store and GOG also provide similar wishlist functionalities. Make sure you’re logged in and have enabled marketing or deal-related email preferences in your account settings for each platform to get the most out of their native alert systems.
Third-Party Aggregators for PC Deals
For a more comprehensive approach, third-party deal aggregators are invaluable. Services like IsThereAnyDeal.com allow you to create a universal wishlist that pulls prices from various official storefronts and authorized key resellers. You can set specific price thresholds and receive email alerts when a game on your list drops below that price on any of the supported stores.
Other notable sites include Fanatical and Humble Bundle, which often have their own curated bundles and sales. While they might not have a universal wishlist, signing up for their newsletters will keep you informed of their unique promotions.
Setting Up Console Game Deal Alerts
Native Console Store Wishlists
Console digital storefronts, much like their PC counterparts, offer ways to track desired games. The PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Nintendo eShop all allow users to add games to a wishlist or follow list. When a game on your list goes on sale, you’ll often receive an email notification or a push notification through your console’s app.
Check the privacy and notification settings within your console account to ensure these alerts are active. This is usually found in the account management section online or directly on your console.
External Tools for Console Bargains
Beyond the native stores, several websites specialize in tracking console game prices, both digital and physical. Sites like CheapAssGamer or specific deal subreddits (/r/PS4Deals, /r/XboxDeals, /r/NintendoSwitchDeals) are community-driven resources that post deals as they go live. While these aren’t always automated alerts, following them closely can yield great results.
For physical copies, major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop often have their own deal alert systems or price tracking features. Setting up a “save for later” or “watch” list on Amazon, for instance, can sometimes trigger email alerts when a price drops significantly.
Advanced Strategies and Browser Extensions
To really supercharge your deal hunting, consider browser extensions. Extensions like Enhanced Steam (for PC) can provide price history directly on store pages, helping you determine if a “deal” is truly a good one. General price trackers like Honey or Camelcamelcamel (for Amazon) can also be configured to alert you to price drops on specific products, including games.
Discord communities and dedicated subreddits are another excellent, albeit manual, source for real-time deals. Joining specific game deal servers or subreddits can give you immediate notifications when users spot a great discount, often before official alerts go out.
Conclusion
Setting up alerts for your game wishlist is a simple yet effective way to save money and ensure you never miss out on that coveted title at an unbeatable price. By combining native platform wishlists with third-party aggregators, browser extensions, and community resources, you can build a robust system that does the heavy lifting for you. Happy gaming, and even happier saving!
