Video Games Price Comparison
Compare 8,158 video games across all platforms — PS5, Xbox, Switch and more. Find the best prices from top UK retailers, updated daily.
Video Games price comparison UK
Physical game prices in the UK shift faster than most shoppers realise. A title that launched at full retail can drop to half its price within weeks — and our data across 8,158 products confirms that the gap between the cheapest and most expensive offer for the same game regularly exceeds 40%. That's a meaningful saving, particularly when you're buying for multiple platforms or picking up several titles at once.
The market here is dominated by a handful of publishers who account for the bulk of what's available. Ubisoft and Electronic Arts lead by sheer volume, each with hundreds of titles spanning sports, action, and open-world adventures. Nintendo commands a notably higher average price — their first-party Switch titles hold their value far longer than comparable releases on PlayStation or Xbox, a pattern we see consistently in the data. Activision sits at a similar premium, driven largely by the Call of Duty franchise. If you're after value, Warner Bros. and Square Enix titles tend to drop more aggressively post-launch.
Platform matters enormously when buying physical games. A PS5 disc won't run on an Xbox Series X, and some titles — particularly Nintendo exclusives like Pokémon Scarlet — are simply unavailable elsewhere. Before comparing prices, make sure you're filtering by the correct platform. It sounds obvious, but it's the single most common source of buyer confusion we see. Cross-generation versions (PS4 vs PS5, Xbox One vs Series X) also carry different price points, so double-check the edition you're buying.
Prices range from 5 £ for older or discounted titles up to 50 £ for premium collector's editions and bundles. The sweet spot for most buyers sits around 20 £ — that's where you'll find the majority of current-generation releases in standard edition. Budget hunters can find solid back-catalogue games well below 14 £, including classics like GTA V and Dragon Age: The Veilguard that have seen significant price reductions since launch.
For parents, PEGI ratings are the UK standard to look for — PEGI 3 through to PEGI 18. These are legally enforced at retail, so age-appropriate purchasing is straightforward. If you're buying for a younger player, titles like the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy or Spyro Reignited Trilogy offer excellent value and are genuinely suitable for all ages. Compare prices across game consoles and don't forget that some multiplayer titles require an active PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscription on top of the game purchase itself — a hidden cost worth factoring in. You may also want to browse gaming controllers or DLC and downloadable content to complete your setup.
How to Choose the Right Video Game Without Overpaying
With 8,158 titles listed and prices that can vary by 40% or more for the same game, buying smart means knowing what to look for before you click. Here's what actually matters — and what's often overlooked.
Platform compatibility — get this right first
This is non-negotiable. A disc bought for PS5 won't work on Xbox Series X, and a Nintendo Switch cartridge won't fit a PlayStation. Always confirm the platform before comparing prices. Watch out for cross-generation listings too: PS4 and PS5 versions of the same game are often priced differently, and the PS4 version may not include the next-gen upgrade. If you own a PS5 or Xbox Series X, always opt for the native version unless the price difference is substantial — the performance improvements (faster load times, 60 FPS modes, haptic feedback on PS5's DualSense) are genuinely noticeable.
Edition — Standard, Deluxe or Ultimate?
Publishers routinely release multiple editions at launch, and the price gap between them can be significant. Standard editions contain the base game. Deluxe and Ultimate editions typically bundle a season pass, early access, cosmetic packs, or story DLC. Whether that's worth paying extra depends entirely on the game: for a live-service title with ongoing content (like EA Sports FC or Call of Duty), a season pass can represent real value. For a single-player RPG you'll finish in 40 hours, the base game is almost always sufficient. Our data shows Deluxe editions averaging noticeably higher — check what's actually included before assuming it's worth it.
Genre fit — matching the game to the player
Genre is the most personal criterion, but it's worth being precise. 'Action' covers everything from hack-and-slash to tactical shooters. If you're buying as a gift, look at what the recipient already plays. Sports games (FIFA/EA FC, NBA 2K) are safe bets for casual players but go stale quickly if the recipient isn't a fan of the sport. RPGs like Pokémon or Dragon Age offer dozens of hours of content but demand patience. Party games and platformers — Crash Bandicoot, Spyro — are the most universally accessible. Avoid buying a competitive online shooter for someone without a stable broadband connection; the experience will be frustrating regardless of price.
PEGI rating — especially important for family purchases
In the UK, PEGI ratings (3, 7, 12, 16, 18) are the legal standard and are enforced at retail. PEGI 18 games cannot legally be sold to under-18s. Beyond legality, the ratings give a genuine indication of content: PEGI 16 and 18 titles often include graphic violence, strong language, or mature themes. For children under 12, stick to PEGI 3 and PEGI 7 titles. For teenagers, PEGI 12 covers most mainstream titles without extreme content. If you're unsure, the PEGI website provides detailed content descriptors for every rated game.
Online subscription requirements — the hidden ongoing cost
Many of the most popular games require an active subscription to access multiplayer: PlayStation Plus for PS4/PS5, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for Xbox, Nintendo Switch Online for Switch. These subscriptions typically cost between £3 and £15 per month depending on the tier. If you're buying a primarily multiplayer game — Call of Duty, NBA 2K, EA Sports FC — factor this into the total cost of ownership. Single-player titles like Dragon Age: The Veilguard or Pokémon Scarlet require no subscription whatsoever, which makes them better value for players who don't game online regularly.
Timing your purchase — when prices actually drop
Physical game prices follow a predictable pattern: high at launch, then a sharp drop 4–8 weeks later as initial demand subsides. Black Friday and Boxing Day sales in the UK consistently produce the deepest discounts, often 30–50% off recent releases. Amazon, Currys, and Argos are the most competitive during these periods. If a game has been out for more than three months, it's almost certainly cheaper than its launch price — our price history data makes this easy to verify. The one exception is Nintendo first-party titles, which hold their value stubbornly and rarely drop below a certain threshold even years after release.
- Back-catalogue bargains (From 5 £ to 14 £) : Older releases, previous-generation titles, and heavily discounted games. You'll find GTA V, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions in this range. Excellent value if you don't mind playing last year's hits — or last decade's classics. Ideal for building out a collection without breaking the bank.
- The sweet spot (From 14 £ to 20 £) : Mid-cycle releases and titles a few months past launch. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, Spyro Reignited Trilogy, and NBA 2K25 sit here. This is where the best value-to-recency ratio lives — games that are still very much current but have shed their launch premium. Most casual buyers should start here.
- Current-generation standard (From 20 £ to 31 £) : Recent AAA releases in standard edition: EA Sports FC 26, Pokémon Scarlet, F1 25, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. The typical price for a new or near-new release on PS5, Xbox Series X, or Switch. Nintendo titles cluster at the upper end of this range and stay there longer than most.
- Premium and collector's editions (Over 31 £) : Deluxe, Ultimate, and Collector's editions with bundled DLC, season passes, and physical extras. Also covers newly launched AAA titles at full RRP. Activision and Nintendo titles dominate this tier. Only worth it if the included content is genuinely relevant to how you play — don't pay for a season pass you'll never use.
Top products
- Electronic Arts EA Sports FC 26, PS5 Standard PlayStation 5 (Electronic Arts) : The most current football title on PS5 with broad language support — a solid pick for football fans, though annual iterations mean last year's edition is often available for a fraction of the price if you can live without the latest squads.
- Nintendo Pokémon Scarlet Standard English Nintendo Switch (Nintendo) : One of the best-selling Switch RPGs and a genuine must-have for Pokémon fans, but Nintendo's pricing stubbornness means it rarely drops far — compare carefully before buying, as the gap between retailers can still be meaningful.
- Activision Blizzard Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy Nintendo Switch (Activision Blizzard) : Three remastered classics in one package at a very accessible price — the best family-friendly value in this top 15. PEGI 7, suitable for all ages, and genuinely fun for adults too. Hard to fault at this price point.
- Activision Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Standard English PlayStation 5 (Activision) : The most expensive title in the top 15 by some margin — and it shows in the price. A solid shooter for dedicated CoD fans, but bear in mind PlayStation Plus is required for multiplayer, adding to the true cost. Casual players may find better value elsewhere.
- Xbox Game Studios Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Xbox Game Studios) : One of the biggest post-launch price drops in this catalogue — a full AAA RPG now available at a fraction of its original RRP. Outstanding value for single-player RPG fans; the low price reflects mixed critical reception rather than poor gameplay quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play a PS4 game on a PS5?
Yes — the vast majority of PS4 games are backwards compatible with PS5, meaning you can insert a PS4 disc into a PS5 disc drive and play it without any additional purchase. However, you won't automatically get the PS5 version of the game; some publishers offer a free or paid upgrade path, while others don't. If you want the full PS5 experience — faster load times, DualSense haptic feedback, 60 FPS performance modes — you need the native PS5 version. Always check the product listing carefully: a PS4 disc at a lower price is not the same as the PS5 version, even if the game title is identical.
What's the difference between a Standard and Deluxe edition — is it worth paying more?
A Deluxe edition typically bundles the base game with additional content: cosmetic packs, a season pass, early access, or story DLC. Whether it's worth the premium depends entirely on the game. For live-service titles with ongoing seasonal content — EA Sports FC, Call of Duty — a season pass can represent genuine value if you'll play regularly for months. For a single-player narrative game you'll complete once, the Standard edition is almost always the smarter buy. Check exactly what's included in the Deluxe edition before paying the difference; sometimes it's little more than a cosmetic skin.
Do I need a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscription to play online multiplayer?
Yes, for most online multiplayer games on PS4/PS5 and Xbox, an active subscription is required. PlayStation Plus is needed for online play on PlayStation consoles, while Xbox Game Pass Ultimate covers online multiplayer on Xbox. Nintendo Switch Online is required for most online features on Switch. These subscriptions add a recurring monthly cost on top of the game itself — factor this in when budgeting, especially for primarily multiplayer titles like Call of Duty or NBA 2K. Single-player games like Pokémon Scarlet or Dragon Age require no subscription at all.
Are Nintendo Switch games really more expensive than PS5 or Xbox games?
Yes, and the price gap is consistent. Nintendo's first-party titles — Pokémon, Mario, Zelda — average significantly higher than comparable releases on PlayStation or Xbox, and they hold that price for much longer. A Nintendo exclusive released two years ago will often still retail at close to its launch price, whereas a PS5 or Xbox title from the same period will typically have dropped substantially. This is a deliberate strategy by Nintendo, not a market anomaly. If budget is a concern, Switch back-catalogue titles from third-party publishers (Activision, Ubisoft) follow normal price-drop patterns and can be found at much lower prices.
What PEGI rating should I look for when buying a game for a child?
For children under 7, look for PEGI 3. For ages 7–11, PEGI 7 is appropriate. PEGI 12 covers most mainstream titles and is suitable for older children and early teenagers. In the UK, retailers are legally required to enforce PEGI 16 and PEGI 18 age restrictions at point of sale. Beyond the number, PEGI content descriptors (violence, language, gambling, fear) give more detail about why a rating was assigned — these are listed on the game packaging and on the PEGI website. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Spyro Reignited Trilogy are both PEGI 7 and are among the most family-friendly options in our catalogue.
Is it worth buying a physical game disc in 2026, or should I go digital?
Physical discs still offer a meaningful advantage: you can resell them, lend them, and often find them cheaper than digital store prices — particularly during UK retail sales events like Black Friday or Boxing Day. Our price data consistently shows physical copies available below the equivalent digital price on the PlayStation Store or Xbox Marketplace. The trade-off is convenience; digital games are instant and require no disc. If you own a disc-less console (PS5 Digital Edition, Xbox Series S), you have no choice but to go digital. For everyone else, physical remains the better value option for most AAA titles, especially if you tend to complete games and move on.
Which publishers' games drop in price fastest after launch?
Warner Bros. and Square Enix titles tend to see the sharpest post-launch price drops, often falling significantly within 6–8 weeks of release. Electronic Arts sports titles (EA Sports FC, F1 25) also drop quickly as the annual release cycle makes previous editions obsolete fast. Ubisoft games follow a similar pattern. Nintendo is the clear outlier — first-party Switch titles depreciate very slowly and rarely hit deep discounts even years after launch. Activision's Call of Duty series sits somewhere in between: it drops moderately but retains value longer than most due to sustained online player bases.