Whether you’re a die-hard PC gamer or a console enthusiast, finding the perfect deal on your favorite video games can feel like a challenging quest. With so many platforms, sales seasons, and game stores competing for your attention, knowing when to buy video games is crucial to scoring the best prices. In this article, we’ll break down the best times to buy video games on PC and consoles, share practical tips to maximize your savings, and provide insights from real gamer experiences. Let’s dive in and level up your game-buying strategy!

Why Timing Matters When Buying Video Games

Video game prices fluctuate throughout the year, influenced by marketing strategies, new releases, and seasonal sales. Understanding these patterns means you can save big without waiting for your favorite title to become outdated. Plus, stocking up during sales lets you enjoy games without the frustration of paying full price.

Best Times to Buy Video Games for PC

PC gamers have unique opportunities to nab incredible deals, especially thanks to digital storefronts like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.

1. Steam Sales: The Ultimate PC Gaming Discounts

  • Steam Summer Sale (June to July): This is arguably the biggest sale event of the year, with discounts reaching up to 90% on hundreds of games.
  • Steam Winter Sale (December): A great time to buy holiday gift games or finally try out that AAA title you’ve had your eye on.
  • Steam Autumn Sale (Late November): Coincides with Black Friday, offering a wide selection of discounted games.
  • Spring Sale (March or April): A lesser-known but valuable sale for budget-conscious gamers.

2. Epic Games Store Weekly Deals & Freebies

Epic Games Store shakes things up by offering weekly discounts and free games year-round, keeping gamers engaged and wallets happy.

  • Watch for weekly rotating sales, often featuring new releases with moderate discounts.
  • Claim free games every Thursday as part of their ongoing promotion — a stealthy way to build your digital library.

3. Other PC Game Deals & Bundles

  • Humble Bundle: Pay-what-you-want packs with proceeds supporting charities. These bundles often include top-quality titles at bargain prices.
  • Green Man Gaming and Fanatical: Regular flash sales featuring newly released games and big discount events.

Best Times to Buy Video Games for Consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch)

Console gaming sales tend to follow major holidays and retailer-specific sales, both digital and physical.

1. Black Friday and Cyber Monday

The ultimate shopping weekend, Black Friday and Cyber Monday usually deliver the biggest console game discounts of the year. Expect:

  • Up to 50-70% off on blockbuster titles.
  • Bundle offers including accessories and downloadable content (DLC).
  • Pre-orders for upcoming games often come with special discounts or bonus content.

2. Holiday Sales (December)

Retailers and digital stores like PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Nintendo eShop run extended holiday promotions with lucrative offers.

  • Seasonal flash sales with up to 60% off.
  • Gift card bonuses which can save money on future purchases.

3. Nintendo Switch Sales

  • Nintendo’s annual Big Holiday Sale happens in November and December — great for family-friendly games.
  • Look out for occasional publisher sales like Ubisoft and EA that discount specific Switch titles.

4. Xbox and PlayStation Monthly Deals

  • Xbox Games with Gold and PlayStation Plus subscribers get exclusive discounts and free monthly games, adding incredible value.
  • Check official monthly discount lists around mid-month for deals on popular titles.

Practical Tips to Maximize Savings on Video Game Purchases

Now that you know the prime sale periods, here are actionable tips to find the best deals every time you shop:

1. Use Price Tracking Tools

  • Websites like IsThereAnyDeal or SteamDB track discounts and alert you when games hit your target price.

2. Subscribe to Newsletters and Follow Social Media

  • Sign up for newsletters from Steam, Epic Games, and your favorite retailers.
  • Follow official Twitter accounts and community groups to catch last-minute flash sales or exclusive coupons.

3. Compare Digital vs. Physical Copies

  • Physical copies can be cheaper during in-store sales, especially at retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and GameStop.
  • Digital copies offer instant access and frequently deeper discounts during platform sales.

4. Consider Buying Older Games During Sales

  • Many classic titles and indie gems receive deep discounts during major sales, perfect for expanding your collection affordably.

Case Study: How I Saved Over $200 on PC Games in One Year

As an avid PC gamer, I learned the value of patience and timing when purchasing games. By strategically timing my purchases around Steam’s major sales and leveraging Humble Bundle deals, I managed to save over $200 in just one year. For example:

  • Waiting for the Steam Summer Sale to buy multiplayer games made multiplayer nights more affordable.
  • Claiming weekly free games from Epic Games Store added variety without spending a dime.
  • Using price tracking tools helped me spot when newly released AAA games dropped 30-50% off.

This experience reinforced that staying informed and patient pays off — no need to pay full price upfront for the games you want.

The Benefits of Buying Video Games During Sales

  • Save Money: Get more value for your budget, especially on expensive AAA titles.
  • Try More Games: Broaden your gaming horizons by purchasing indie or older games you might not buy at full price.
  • Build Your Library: Accumulate games strategically so you always have something to play.
  • Access Exclusive Bonuses: Sales often bundle DLC, in-game currency, or other perks at reduced costs.