What’s the best tool for tracking historical low prices on PC & console game deals?
Why Historical Price Tracking is a Game-Changer for Gamers
In the vast world of digital and physical game sales, prices fluctuate constantly. A game that’s full price today might be heavily discounted tomorrow, and then return to a higher price point next week. For savvy gamers, knowing a game’s historical low price isn’t just about saving a few bucks; it’s about making informed purchasing decisions and ensuring you get the absolute best value. Without this insight, you might jump on a “deal” that’s actually been cheaper in the past, missing out on true savings. This practice is crucial for both PC and console players looking to expand their libraries without breaking the bank.
Top Contenders for PC Game Deal Tracking: IsThereAnyDeal (ITAD)
When it comes to PC game deals, IsThereAnyDeal (ITAD) stands out as the undisputed champion. ITAD aggregates prices from a massive list of legitimate digital storefronts, including Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Humble Store, Fanatical, Green Man Gaming, and many more. Its key features include:
- Historical Price Charts: For virtually every game, ITAD provides a detailed graph showing its price history across different stores, allowing you to see its all-time low.
- Wishlist & Alerts: You can add games to a personalized wishlist and set up email notifications for when they drop below a certain price or reach a new historical low.
- DRM Information: It clearly indicates the DRM (e.g., Steam, Epic, GOG Galaxy) for each deal, which is vital for many PC gamers.
- Bundles & Freebies: ITAD also tracks game bundles and promotions for free games, making it a comprehensive resource.
Its robust filtering options and extensive database make it indispensable for PC gamers.
Console-Specific Trackers: PSPrices, DekuDeals, and Xbox Store Checker
Console gaming has its own ecosystem of deals, often tied to platform-specific digital storefronts. While fewer third-party retailers are involved, tracking digital sales directly from PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo eShop is paramount.
PSPrices for PlayStation Deals
PSPrices is the go-to site for PlayStation gamers. It monitors the PlayStation Store across various regions, providing:
- Price History: Detailed graphs show past prices for PS5, PS4, PS3, and PS Vita games.
- Price Drop Alerts: Set up email alerts for games on your wishlist.
- Regional Tracking: Important for gamers who access different regional stores.
DekuDeals for Nintendo Switch
For Nintendo Switch owners, DekuDeals is the essential tool. It covers both digital eShop sales and physical game prices from major retailers:
- Eshop Price History: Tracks the lowest digital prices directly from Nintendo’s storefront.
- Physical Game Price Comparison: Compares prices for physical copies from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, etc.
- Wishlist & Alerts: Comprehensive notification system for price drops.
Xbox Store Checker
While not as feature-rich as the others, sites like Xbox Store Checker (or similar regional trackers) offer historical price data for Xbox games on the Microsoft Store. It allows users to view past discounts and set up basic price alerts, though its interface might be less polished than DekuDeals or PSPrices.
General Price Comparison with CheapShark
CheapShark offers a broader approach to game deal tracking, covering both PC and some console games. While it might not have the hyper-specific console features of DekuDeals or PSprices, it excels in:
- Aggregated PC Deals: Pulls from many PC storefronts, similar to ITAD, but with a slightly different interface and focus.
- Price History & Alerts: Provides historical data and allows for custom alerts.
- Ease of Use: Its simple, straightforward interface makes it easy to quickly find current deals and their historical context.
CheapShark is an excellent supplementary tool, particularly if you’re looking for quick comparisons across platforms.
The Verdict: Choosing Your Best Tool
The “best” tool ultimately depends on your primary gaming platform. For PC gamers, IsThereAnyDeal (ITAD) is the clear winner due to its unparalleled database of stores, robust filtering, and historical price charts. Console players should rely on platform-specific trackers: PSPrices for PlayStation, DekuDeals for Nintendo Switch, and an Xbox Store Checker for Xbox. For multi-platform gamers, a combination of these tools is ideal.
By leveraging these powerful resources, you can transform your game purchasing habits from reactive to strategic, ensuring that you always snag your desired titles at their historical low prices. Happy gaming, and happy saving!
