Every store below runs its own wishlists, newsletters, or deal alerts. They’re free, they come from the store itself (not from us; MPC doesn’t operate any of these), and they’re the most reliable way to catch a discount on a specific game. All of these links leave our site.
Steam
Very dependable timing · DigitalPC games. Valve publishes its four big seasonal sale dates months ahead, so you can genuinely plan around them.
Watch out: Smaller themed "Fests" are narrower events, not store-wide lows.
Nintendo eShop
Timing varies · DigitalSwitch games. The broad windows repeat every year, but names, exact dates, and which games join are announced close to each event.
Watch out: Nintendo’s own games (Mario, Zelda) join sales selectively. A store-wide sale does not mean the game your kid wants is in it.
PlayStation Store
Dependable timing · DigitalPlayStation games. The four big sale labels come back reliably every year, which makes them good comparison windows.
Watch out: Individual games can end their discount before the sale banner does. Confirm the price and end date on the game’s own store page.
Xbox / Microsoft Store
Timing varies · DigitalXbox and Windows PC games. Smaller deals run all year; the big seasonal events are less pre-announced than Steam’s.
Watch out: Before buying, check whether the game is already included in Game Pass (Xbox’s subscription) your family may already pay for.
Epic Games Store
Dependable timing · DigitalPC games (it’s the store behind Fortnite). The MEGA Sale and Holiday Sale are dependable anchors, and there’s a free game most weeks.
Watch out: Epic Rewards are store credit for later, not money off today. Compare the actual cash price first.
GOG
Dependable timing · DigitalPC games you want to truly own. GOG sells games without copy protection (DRM-free), so they keep working even offline or if the store changes.
Watch out: Confirm the GOG version has the same updates and add-ons as other stores’ versions before assuming it’s identical.
Amazon
Dependable timing · PhysicalBoxed games, controllers, headsets, and storage. Prime events and Black Friday bring fast-moving price competition.
Watch out: Check who the seller actually is (Amazon vs. a third-party marketplace seller) and the return terms before buying.
Best Buy
Dependable timing · PhysicalConsoles, controllers, storage, boxed games, bundles, and open-box (returned, inspected, discounted) hardware.
Watch out: Stock and promotion exclusions vary, and some listings come from marketplace sellers rather than Best Buy itself.
Walmart
Dependable timing · PhysicalMainstream boxed games, consoles, and family bundles, plus weekly rollback pricing between events.
Watch out: Watch for third-party marketplace sellers and their shipping terms.
Target
Dependable timing · PhysicalBoxed games, controllers, family titles, and order-pickup convenience, with extra deals through the free Target Circle program.
Watch out: Circle deals need the free membership activated, and local stock varies.
GameStop
Dependable timing · PhysicalTrade-ins, pre-owned (used) games, collector editions, and store bonuses.
Watch out: Trade values, condition, and local stock vary store to store.
Costco
Dependable timing · PhysicalConsole and game bundles, controllers, and discounted digital gift cards, mostly around the holidays.
Watch out: Requires a membership, and the gaming selection is a handful of items rather than a full catalog.