How to Use the CheapShark MCP in Claude

Q: How do I connect the CheapShark MCP Server to Claude Desktop?

Open your claudedesktopconfig.json file. Add the server command under the mcpServers key, save, and restart the app. You can also paste the remote URL directly into Claude Web's integrations tab.

Find PC game deals and track price drops instantly inside Claude Desktop.

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Connect CheapShark MCP to Claude Desktop

Create your Vinkius account to connect CheapShark to Claude Desktop and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup CheapShark with Claude Desktop

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Track Game Prices via Claude Desktop

Stop switching tabs to hunt for Steam sales. The CheapShark MCP server lets your AI client check current discounts across multiple storefronts instantly. You just ask for a specific title, and Claude pulls the live pricing data using `get_deals`. Finding where to buy something cheapest used to mean checking five different sites. Now you run `search_games` right in the chat window. If a price is still too high, you can set up an email notification with `manage_alert` and walk away.

Decode Store IDs Automatically

Raw API responses often spit out numerical IDs instead of human-readable shop names. That makes comparing deals annoying when you don't know if store "4" is Humble Bundle or GOG. This integration fixes that mapping issue. Your agent calls `get_stores` to translate those digits into actual storefront names, giving you clear, readable deal summaries without manual lookups.

Analyze Specific Title Histories

Sometimes a general search isn't enough. You need the exact historical low price or specific bundle details for a single release to know if a sale is actually good. Passing the game ID into the `get_game` tool returns the complete pricing history for that exact match. Claude reads this data and tells you if today's discount is worth your money.

Setup guide

Set up CheapShark MCP in Claude Web or Desktop

1

Open Claude Settings

Go to claude.ai, click your profile icon, then navigate to Customize → Connectors.
2

Add Custom Connector

Click the "+" button and select Add custom connector. Paste your Vinkius endpoint URL: https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. For OAuth-protected servers, expand Advanced settings to add credentials.
3

Start a conversation

Open a new chat. The CheapShark MCP tools are available immediately — no restart needed.

Endpoint URL

https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

No configuration file needed — paste the URL directly in the Claude web interface.

Available on Free (1 connector), Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans.

Prerequisites

Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open Claude Desktop Settings

Click the menu icon at the top-left corner, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json in your default text editor.
2

Paste the CheapShark MCP configuration

Copy the JSON snippet on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Desktop

Close and reopen the application. Claude needs a full restart to load new MCPs — refreshing a conversation is not enough.
4

Verify the connection

Open a new conversation. Click the 🔌 icon at the bottom of the message input. You should see tools listed under cheapshark-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "cheapshark-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by CheapShark. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

Why Choose Vinkius

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Common questions about CheapShark MCP in Claude Desktop

Open your claude_desktop_config.json file. Add the server command under the mcpServers key, save, and restart the app. You can also paste the remote URL directly into Claude Web's integrations tab.

Yes. Ask your agent to search for a specific Steam App ID. It will return the current best price across all tracked storefronts.

It works perfectly. Just add the remote MCP server URL as a custom connector in your browser settings. No local installation required.

You tell the AI what game you want and your target price. The agent uses the manage_alert tool to register your email for a notification when the price drops below that threshold.

Vinkius isolates this connection in a secure V8 sandbox. The only information passed through the network is your search queries, game IDs, and the email address you provide for price alerts. No cross-app tracking occurs.

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