How to track the lowest prices for games on Steam, Epic, PlayStation & Xbox?

Never Miss a Deal: Your Guide to Cheaper Gaming

In the vast and ever-expanding universe of video games, finding the next great title at a bargain price is almost as satisfying as beating the final boss. With hundreds of games released annually and constant sales cycles across multiple platforms, keeping track of the best deals can feel like a game in itself. Whether you’re a PC enthusiast on Steam and Epic, or a console loyalist to PlayStation and Xbox, mastering the art of price tracking is crucial for building your library without breaking the bank.

Why Track Game Prices?

The primary motivation is, of course, saving money. Games can be expensive, especially at launch. By employing smart tracking techniques, you can often snag titles at 50%, 70%, or even 90% off their original price. This not only allows you to play more games for less but also helps you avoid the dreaded buyer’s remorse that comes with purchasing a game only to see it go on a deeper sale days later. Price tracking empowers you to make informed decisions, ensuring you always get the best value.

Essential Price Tracking Strategies & Tools for PC Gamers (Steam & Epic)

PC gaming offers a robust ecosystem for deal hunting, primarily through Steam and the Epic Games Store, but also from numerous authorized key retailers. Here’s how to stay on top:

• Platform Wishlists: Both Steam and Epic Games Store allow you to add games to a wishlist. Crucially, they will notify you via email when a game on your list goes on sale. This is your first line of defense against missing a deal.
• IsThereAnyDeal.com (ITAD): This is arguably the most powerful tool for PC gamers. ITAD aggregates prices from a multitude of reputable stores (Steam, Epic, GOG, Humble Store, Fanatical, Green Man Gaming, etc.). You can create a synchronized wishlist, set price alerts for specific games, and view historical low prices, helping you determine if a current deal is truly the best it’s ever been.
• GG.deals: Similar to ITAD, GG.deals offers price comparisons, historical data, and customizable alerts across various PC stores. Its user interface is often praised for being intuitive and visually appealing.
• Browser Extensions: Extensions like Enhanced Steam (for Steam) can integrate historical pricing data directly onto store pages, giving you immediate context when browsing sales.

Conquering Console Deals: PlayStation & Xbox

While PC has numerous third-party aggregators, console deal tracking often relies more on first-party features and dedicated community sites. Keep these strategies in mind:

• Console Store Wishlists: Just like PC platforms, both the PlayStation Store and Xbox Store allow you to wishlist games. You’ll receive notifications when those games go on sale. Make sure your notification settings are enabled.
• PSDeals.net: For PlayStation users, PSDeals is an invaluable resource. It tracks deals specifically for the PlayStation Store across different regions, often highlighting the best prices and historical lows. It also covers physical game deals.
• Xbox-Now.com / Xbox-Store-Checker: These sites are excellent for Xbox gamers, not only tracking sales but also allowing you to compare prices across different regional Xbox stores. This can sometimes reveal significant savings if you’re comfortable with purchasing from other regions.
• Dedicated Subreddits & Forums: Communities like r/GameDeals, r/PS4Deals, r/XboxDeals, and r/NintendoSwitchDeals are constantly updated by vigilant users sharing the latest and greatest deals. They often catch sales the moment they go live and provide valuable discussion.

General Tips for Maximizing Savings

• Understand Sales Cycles: Major platforms have predictable seasonal sales (Summer, Autumn, Winter/Holiday sales). Plan your purchases around these times for the biggest discounts.
• Bundle Deals: Sites like Humble Bundle and Fanatical regularly offer incredible bundles where you can get multiple games for a fraction of their individual prices. These often include games for both PC and sometimes even consoles.
• Free Games & Subscriptions: Don’t forget the value of free games offered by Epic Games Store weekly, or those included with subscription services like PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, and Prime Gaming.
• Patience is Key: Unless you need to play a game immediately, waiting a few months can often see its price drop significantly. New releases tend to be most expensive.

Conclusion: Your Path to Cheaper Gaming

Tracking game prices doesn’t have to be a chore. By utilizing wishlists, dedicated price aggregation websites, and engaging with gaming communities, you can transform from a casual buyer into a savvy deal hunter. Armed with these tools and strategies, you’ll be able to build an impressive game library without ever paying full price again, ensuring more epic adventures for less.