Australian readers have a tight, high-impact weekend of game deals to consider, curated by Adam Mathew, a longtime Aussie deals wrangler who genuinely wants readers to walk away with something worth playing. The roundup compiles price cuts across Nintendo, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, with discounts described as obscene and a handful of titles that have lingered in players’ minds for years. The notes accompanying the roundup place the timing at the start of January, reflecting a seasonal push toward substantial savings on a mix of new-ish releases and timeless classics.
Nintendo fans are treated to notable reductions across first-party and retro-friendly picks. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is discounted by 24 percent to A$68, a notable price for a game that fans have waited years to revisit in proper form. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom follows at A$69 with around a 23 percent cut, underscoring Nintendo’s continued emphasis on creator-led sandbox moments. A nostalgic nod appears with Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker on Switch highlighted for enjoying the classic puzzle-sponging charm that translates well to modern hardware, even as the original Wii U game remains a beloved memory for many players.
Xbox players see a strong slate of bargains that mix blockbuster backward compatibility and evergreen co-op chaos. Star Wars Outlaws lands at A$24 with a steep 78 percent cut, particularly appealing to those who want a spacefaring crime caper with a sense of self-contained galactic misadventure. Castle Crashers Remastered hits A$9.90, marked down by 50 percent, offering pure, chaotic couch co-op action that still lands with satisfying, crunchy combat. Additional wide reductions include Assassin’s Creed Valhalla at A$44.90 (-55%), Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion at A$37.10 (-56%), Diablo III: Eternal Collection at A$43 (-57%), GTA V Premium Edition at A$23 (-58%), Battlefield 1 at A$8.90 (-70%), and Red Dead Redemption II at A$23 (-73%). The mix leans toward experiences that reward exploration, era-bending scenery, and big open-world moments, all accessible on Xbox platforms.
PlayStation’s storefront highlights combine nostalgia with modern spectacle. Astro Bot is discounted to A$64 (-42%), a reminder of PlayStation’s history with clever platforming that still feels fresh on current hardware. Hogwarts Legacy sits at A$49.90 (-55%), a high-fantasy RPG that threads a surprisingly confident narrative through a detailed, lived-in Hogwarts setting. Spider-Man: Miles Morales remains a stylish, compact adrenaline shot at A$48.90 (-48%), while Star Wars Outlaws appears again at A$24 (-78%), offering a space western veneer for those who enjoy a lighter, action-forward adventure. The Last of Us Part I sits at A$79.90 (-36%), a narrative benchmark rebuilt with care for a new generation, and Immortals Fenyx Rising is a near-freebie at A$7.90 (-92%), delivering a humorous, inventive open-world romp. Gran Turismo 7 remains a strong driving sim at A$56.90 (-48%), balancing car culture and approachable accessibility, while WHAT THE GOLF? lands at A$7.70 (-70%) as a comedy game disguised as golf and still one of the sharpest, most ridiculous experiments in the genre.
PC deals bring in a broad spectrum of strategy, RPG, and action-heavy experiences. 40K: Space Marine II is available for A$37.50 (-58%), a power fantasy that leans into the thrill of brute force and big weapons. Baldur’s Gate 3 is discounted to A$67.40 (-25%), a modern RPG that remains generous and endlessly surprising in its writing and systems. Total War: Three Kingdoms is listed at A$0, a striking note that free strategy on this caliber feels almost illegal, though readers should verify regional availability. Atomic Heart is at A$31.10 (-65%), a bold, bold, and occasionally chaotic title that keeps players guessing. The Crysis Remastered Trilogy is A$29.90 (-59%), a reminder of technical ambition that still serves as a benchmark. Red Dead Redemption 1 + 2 Bundle is A$57.40 (-64%), pairing two sprawling epics that reward patience and immersion. Readers are also encouraged to consider a Steam Wallet Card as a convenient way to manage purchases across platforms.
The source for these selections is IGN’s AU Deals roundup, attributed to Adam Mathew, with the original posting date noted as January 2, 2026. The compilation emphasizes affordability without compromising the chance to play well-regarded titles across the major ecosystems, offering a practical path for readers looking to stock up ahead of busier seasons. In evaluating these deals, readers should keep in mind regional pricing differences, stock availability, and the potential for further price shifts during the weekend. As with any shopping guide, the best value comes from aligning purchases with personal interest and planned play sessions, rather than chasing every discount edge.
For readers who want a quick takeaway: prioritize big-budget RPGs and open-world adventures on PC and PlayStation that you intend to invest significant time in, while keeping a sharp eye on co-op titles and platform exclusives that broaden your library without breaking the bank. The weekend’s bargains also serve as a reminder that classic hits—whether re-releases, remasters, or beloved multiplayer staples—remain viable options when priced competitively, making this an opportune moment to expand a growing backlog without overspending.
