Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) is set to launch on both PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X consoles in 2026, with Rockstar Games confirming a simultaneous release across these current-generation platforms. While the game was primarily advertised as a PS5 title, with its recent Netflix showcase captured on Sony’s hardware, players have an important decision to make regarding their preferred console, especially given differences in price and potential performance nuances.
GTA VI on Xbox Series X: Performance and Price
For players considering the Xbox Series X for GTA VI, a key detail is that the base PS5 and Xbox Series X are considered roughly equivalent in power. This suggests that major performance differences are not expected between the two consoles for the game’s launch, according to PCMag. However, there are notable price discrepancies. An Xbox Series X with 1TB of storage currently costs $799.99, while an equivalent PS5 is priced at $649.99. Similarly, the all-digital Xbox Series X is $749.99, compared to the all-digital PS5 at $599.99.
GTA VI is currently slated for a digital-only release, which could make the cheaper digital console options more appealing. PCMag identifies the PS5 as the “clear winner” when price and GTA VI performance are considered for the base consoles. For budget-conscious players, the Xbox Series S is available for $499.99. While this console has lower specifications, it can still deliver “respectable current-gen experiences” for GTA VI, as Rockstar Games previously developed the visually impressive Red Dead Redemption 2 for last-generation hardware.
Standard editions of GTA VI will cost $79.99, with an Ultimate edition priced at $99.99, which includes additional content like new vehicles and missions.
PlayStation Alternatives and Performance Considerations
Beyond the standard consoles, PlayStation offers an alternative in the PS5 Pro, priced at $899.99. This model features increased horsepower, enabling it to play games at higher resolutions and with better frame rates. While specific performance improvements for GTA VI on the PS5 Pro are yet to be detailed, it is expected to offer the “most beautiful version” of the game at launch, running above the anticipated 30 frames per second on standard consoles.
Despite the general equivalence between the base PS5 and Xbox Series X, some uncertainty remains regarding specific game performance. BGR notes that the Xbox Series X could potentially offer a superior version of GTA VI, citing the precedent of Red Dead Redemption 2, where the Xbox One X version was the only one to feature 4K resolution until the PC port. This suggests that waiting for post-launch performance reports could help gamers make an informed decision, especially if considering an upgrade to a PS5 Pro.
Availability and Future Platforms
With GTA VI expected to drive significant console demand, some retailers have expressed concern about having enough PS5 consoles to meet anticipated sales. The PS5 Pro, for example, previously sold out following the GTA VI gameplay reveal. Gamers might also face potential price increases for consoles, as has been observed in the industry due to component shortages.
While GTA VI is exclusively launching on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, a PC version is considered “basically a guarantee” about a year after the initial console release, following Rockstar Games’ typical strategy of launching on consoles first. The possibility of a Nintendo Switch 2 port is also being considered, given that a version of GTA VI runs on the less powerful Xbox Series S hardware, though nothing is confirmed at this point.
For UK players looking to experience Grand Theft Auto VI at launch, the primary choice will be between Microsoft’s and Sony’s console offerings, with price, power, and availability being key factors in the decision.