Players are excited about the upcoming generation of consoles, with a growing interest in PlayStation 6 and the new Xbox as their arrival is anticipated. However, the recent delay of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) until November 2026 has left many reflecting on the impact it will have on the sales of current consoles. This Rockstar title is considered a crucial event that could mark the end of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S era.
Sony and Microsoft wouldn’t want a launch overshadowed by GTA
The launch of GTA 6 during the holiday season could be a determining factor for consumers considering purchasing a console. According to Piers Harding-Rolls, director of games research at Ampere, this launch approach will drive hardware sales, as millions of players will wait for the game’s arrival to make their purchase. Although the new generation of consoles could arrive in 2027, it is speculated that Sony and Microsoft might extend the life of the current generation until 2028 to maximize the momentum that GTA 6 will generate in the market.
It is understood that the PC version of GTA 6 could be released about six months after its arrival on consoles, which would mean a launch in mid-2027. Additionally, it is possible that the game will have an enhanced version for PlayStation 6 and the upcoming Xbox, which could turn out to be more expensive than anticipated by users. This scenario aligns with the resounding success of GTA 5, which has sold over 220 million copies, positioning it as the second best-selling video game in history.
For now, Sony has made it clear that its PS5 console is halfway through its life cycle, a pattern reminiscent of what happened with PS3 in 2013. The uncertainty surrounding the future of current consoles and their upcoming releases remains a hot topic in the world of video games.
