Gaming has become an incredibly expensive hobby lately. With next-gen AAA titles hitting the $70 mark, plus monthly subscriptions, DLCs, and microtransactions, you might find yourself spending a massive budget annually without even realizing it.
But did you know some players own hundreds of original games and play the latest releases while paying nearly half of what you pay?
In this guide, we compile 5 smart strategies pros use to help you buy your favorite games at the lowest price.
The secret isn’t piracy or illegal methods; it is simply understanding the economics of gaming.
Strategy 1: When to Buy?
The first golden rule of saving is patience. Digital game prices aren’t fixed; they follow a downward curve over time. So, leverage the 3-Month Rule!
What is the 3-Month Rule? Statistics prove that most games (with the exception of Nintendo titles) lose between 30% to 50% of their value just 3 months after release. If you can wait 90 days, you will save nearly half the amount.
How to Exploit Seasonal Sales? Discounts on digital stores aren’t random. Platforms follow a fixed annual calendar (Summer, Autumn, Winter, Black Friday). Buying outside these seasons means you are paying an “impatience tax.”
Practical Guide: We’ve prepared a guide on Steam Sales 2025: How to Prepare and Save Like a Pro during the Biggest Seasons
Strategy 2: Account Region
The price of a single game varies from country to country based on local currency strength and purchasing power. A game sold for $70 in the US Store might sell for $40 or $50 in other regional stores.
This is one of the most powerful tricks to buy video games at the lowest price.
1. On PlayStation (Static Accounts)
On PlayStation and Xbox, you can smartly exploit these differences by creating multiple accounts. For example, the US Store features bigger and faster discounts, while the Saudi Store guarantees Arabic language support. The smart, budget-conscious gamer doesn’t limit themselves to one option but compares and chooses what fits their budget.
Practical Guide: Confused about which country to pick? We settled this debate with numbers in our comprehensive comparison: US vs. Saudi PlayStation Account: A Comprehensive Price & Library Comparison
2. On Nintendo Switch (Flexible Accounts)
Unlike Sony, Nintendo allows you to easily change your store region from the settings to snag games from cheaper stores (like the Japanese or European eShops). The only obstacle is needing an accepted payment method in that country.
Practical Guide: To learn the exact steps and how to pay, don’t miss our article on How to Change Your Nintendo eShop Region for Cheaper Games
Strategy 3: The Shift to Subscriptions
Why pay $70 for a game you will beat in a week and then abandon? This is where monthly subscriptions come in as the best way to save money on gaming.
A subscription to a gaming service costs roughly the price of two new games, yet gives you access to a library of over 400 titles. If you’re a player who loves trying out many games and finishing them quickly, a subscription will save you hundreds of dollars annually.
Practical Guide: Read our article, PlayStation Plus Tiers Explained: Which Subscription is Right for You? to learn which tier fits your budget.
Strategy 4: Smart Handling of In-Game Currencies
“Free” games like Valorant and Roblox aren’t free. They are designed to extract your money through repeated micro-purchases. Saving here depends on how you buy—do not buy currency directly!
Direct purchase is often the most expensive option. Always look for added value. For example:
1. In Valorant: Buying a single skin from the Daily Store is the most expensive route. The smart move is buying Full Bundles at launch (free Skins included) or wait for the Night Market for up to 50% off.
Tip: Planning to buy a Skins? Don’t pay before reading our article on How to Buy Your Dream Valorant Melee Skin for the Lowest Cost.
2. In Roblox: Don’t top up directly. Use gift cards to activate a Premium subscription and get free extra credit.
Practical Guide: Read our article for more details on Roblox Premium vs. Direct Robux Buy: Which Offers Better Value?
Strategy 5: Buy Your Favorite Games at the Lowest Price via Kascards
Even if you find a cheap game, you might be surprised to pay more than expected due to:
- Currency Conversion Fees: Banks take a cut of (2-4%) on every foreign currency transaction.
- Digital Taxes: Some stores add tax based on your card’s billing address.
- Geo-Restrictions: Local banks often block purchases from cheaper international stores.
The Solution? Paying via Gift Cards Using gift cards from Kascards is the final step in your savings strategy:
- Final Price: You buy the card for a fixed value with no surprise fees.
- Budget Control: Prevents overspending as you are limited to the card balance.
- Flexibility: Gives you the freedom to hop between stores (buy a US card for the US Store, EU for the European one).
- Crypto Leverage: When paying with digital currencies (USDT) on Kascards, you bypass the traditional banking system and its fees entirely, utilizing your crypto balance for entertainment.
The Bottom Line
Saving on games is a simple equation: Right Timing + Right Region + Smart Subscription + Safe Payment Method = A massive game library at a fraction of the cost!
Define your strategy, read the detailed guides linked above, and make Kascards your trusted partner for topping up gift cards across all platforms at the best prices.
