The simplest way to pay less for games is to let the stores tell you when prices drop. Every major platform has a wishlist, and a few extra tools make it easier to spot a genuinely good deal.
Steam
- Add games to your wishlist from their store pages.
- Steam emails you when a wishlisted game gets a discount of 20% or more (you can manage this in your email preferences).
- Use your wishlist page to sort by discount during sales.
Xbox and the Microsoft Store
- Add games to your wishlist on xbox.com, on console or in the Xbox app.
- Game pages show whether a title is included in Game Pass — and at which tier — so check before buying.
PlayStation Store
- Add games to your wishlist in the PlayStation Store app or on the web.
- Enable notifications to be told about discounts on wishlisted games.
- PS Plus members get extra discounts on some games during sales.
Check the price history
A “50% off” label only helps if the game has not been cheaper before. Independent trackers such as SteamDB (for Steam) and multi-store trackers show a game’s historical low, so you can decide whether to buy now or wait.
Know the sale calendar
Big storewide sales happen on a predictable schedule. See our Steam sale dates guide for the confirmed upcoming events.
One more tip
Before buying, check whether a game is already in a subscription you have, such as Game Pass or PS Plus Extra. It is the easiest discount of all.
