What are the best tools & sites to find and track game deals on PC & console?

Unlock Big Savings: Your Guide to Game Deals

For avid gamers, few things are more satisfying than snagging a long-awaited title at a fraction of its original price. With the vast number of digital storefronts and retailers, keeping track of every sale can feel like a full-time job. Fortunately, a host of dedicated tools and websites exist to streamline this process, helping you find and track game deals across PC and console platforms. Here’s a rundown of the best resources to become a savvy game deal hunter.

For PC Gamers: Digital Storefront Aggregators & Beyond

PC gaming often boasts the most competitive prices, thanks to a multitude of digital storefronts. Knowing where to look is key.

IsThereAnyDeal.com

This is arguably the gold standard for PC game deal tracking. IsThereAnyDeal (ITAD) aggregates prices from over 100 reputable stores, including Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Humble Store, Green Man Gaming, Fanatical, and many more. Its robust features include:

• Wishlists: Add games to your list and receive email alerts when they drop below a certain price or hit an all-time low.
• Historical Price Data: See how low a game has gone in the past, helping you determine if a current deal is truly good.
• Price Comparisons: Instantly see the best current price across all major retailers.

ITAD is indispensable for any PC gamer looking to save money.

Specific Retailers with Strong Deals

While ITAD aggregates them, don’t forget that stores like Humble Bundle and Fanatical frequently offer unique bundles and discounts that are often market-leading. They’re great for picking up multiple games at once for a low price.

For Console Gamers: Physical & Digital Price Trackers

Console deals can be a mix of digital storefront sales and physical retailer discounts. These tools help track both.

Deku Deals (Nintendo Switch Focus)

For Nintendo Switch owners, Deku Deals is a must-use. It meticulously tracks digital eShop sales and physical game prices across major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart. Its features include:

• Wishlist & Alerts: Get notifications for price drops on your desired games.
• Historical Data: View price charts for both digital and physical versions.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Tracks games for Switch, Wii U, and 3DS.

CheapAssGamer (Multi-Console & Physical Focus)

CheapAssGamer (CAG) has been a long-standing community for console deal hunters, particularly for physical copies. While its interface might feel a bit dated, its forums are incredibly active, and its deal aggregators scour retailers for discounts on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo games. It’s also good for finding deals on accessories and console bundles.

Console-Specific Digital Stores

Don’t overlook the built-in wishlists and sale sections of the PlayStation Store, Xbox Games Store, and Nintendo eShop themselves. Setting up wishlists directly on these platforms will often trigger email notifications for sales.

Multi-Platform & Community-Driven Deal Sites

Sometimes the best deals are found through the collective wisdom of other deal hunters.

Slickdeals / Dealabs / HotUKDeals

These are massive, community-driven deal aggregation sites with dedicated gaming sections. Users post deals they find, which are then upvoted or downvoted by the community. This often surfaces obscure or lightning deals that might not appear on dedicated game deal trackers. They are excellent for finding both PC and console deals, often including bundles, hardware, and gift card discounts.

Reddit Communities (e.g., r/GameDeals)

Reddit’s r/GameDeals subreddit is an incredibly active community dedicated solely to video game discounts. Users post deals from various sources, and the community vets their legitimacy. There are also platform-specific subreddits like r/PS4Deals, r/XboxDeals, and r/NintendoSwitchDeals. Subscribing to these can keep you informed in real-time.

Essential Tips for Savvy Deal Hunting

• Utilize Wishlists and Price Alerts: This is the single most effective way to ensure you don’t miss a deal on a game you want.
• Check Historical Prices: Before buying, always glance at past price trends to ensure you’re getting a genuinely good deal, not just a minor discount.
• Be Patient: Most games, especially popular ones, will eventually go on sale. If you’re not in a rush, waiting can save you significant money.
• Consider Bundles: Humble Bundle and Fanatical often offer fantastic value by grouping several games together for a low price.
• Account for Regional Pricing: Prices can vary significantly by region. Be aware of your local options and any restrictions.

Conclusion

Navigating the vast world of video game deals can seem daunting, but with the right tools, it becomes an exciting hunt. Whether you’re a PC enthusiast or a console loyalist, leveraging sites like IsThereAnyDeal, Deku Deals, CheapAssGamer, and active community forums will empower you to save money and expand your game library without breaking the bank. Happy gaming, and happy hunting!