After years of waiting, it’s finally almost time to Grand Theft Auto VI2026’s most hyped video game. We’ve heard the rumors, we’ve seen the screenshots, we’ve analyzed Netflix extended gaze which showed a lot of gameplay. All that’s left is to venture into the open-world crime paradise of Vice City for ourselves once the November 19th release date arrives.
In the meantime, you have an important decision to make: How will you play GTA 6? If you already own a console, that decision is made, and all that’s left to do is pre-order the game. But if you’re still on the fence about which platform to choose, I’m here to help with this information-packed guide that explains what you should expect in terms of price and power. Watch our video below and read on for even more useful details.
Have a game? Get ready for GTA 6 and more with our holiday office hours from the labs
GTA 6: PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X
GTA 6 was primarily announced as a PlayStation 5 title. In fact, Rockstar Games says that the Netflix showcase was captured on Sony’s hardware. That said, GTA 6 will launch simultaneously on both current-gen platforms: PlayStation 5 in the Xbox Series X. So, if you don’t already have either system, you should consider the pros and cons.
The best consoles to play GTA 6
GTA 6 costs the same on both platforms: $79.99 for the Standard Edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition, which includes extra content such as new vehicles and missions. The base PS5 and Xbox Series X are roughly equivalent in power, so you don’t need to worry about big performance differences between the two.
GTA 6 SUGGESTIONS
Grand Theft Auto VI (for PlayStation 5)
With all else being equal, you should look at the price. The current economic shenanigans, from tariffs to RAM shortages, have led console manufacturers to raise prices over time instead of lowering them, as has been the norm. Currently, a PlayStation 5 with 1TB of storage costs $649.99, while an equivalent Xbox Series X costs $799.99. Meanwhile, the all-digital PS5, which lacks a disc drive, costs a bit less at $599.99; its Xbox counterpart is $749.99.
Currently, GTA 6 is only available digitally. That is an incredible controversial move, but it makes a cheaper digital console more attractive. Note that these prices may go upEspecially when platform owners are predicting massive holiday hardware sales. They can expect consumers who are willing to pay anyone Price to get their GTA 6 fix.
Regardless, if you’re looking at price and GTA 6 performance, the PS5 is the clear winner between the two base consoles. However, there is more to the story.
PREORDER GRAND THEFT CAR VI
Grand Theft Auto VI (for Xbox Series X/S)
GTA 6: PS5 Pro vs Xbox Series S
PlayStation and Xbox also offer alternative consoles that can play GTA 6, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Those PlayStation 5 Pro has increased horsepower, allowing games to be played at higher resolutions and at better frame rates. Currently, expect GTA 6 to run at 30 frames per second on standard consoles.
There’s no word on the performance improvements the PS5 Pro will offer, but it’s a safe bet that the system will be running the best version of GTA 6 at launch. You just have to shell out a hefty $899.99 for the console.
Recommended by our editors
On the other hand, if you just want to play GTA 6 and don’t care too much about graphics, you can save money by buying the $499.99 Xbox Series S. This budget console has lower specs, but it can deliver respectable current-gen experiences. Remember that Rockstar Games made the wonderful Red Dead Redemption 2 on the last generation consoles. So you should still be able to lose yourself in Vice City, even on the low-powered Xbox Series S.
GTA 6: PC vs Nintendo Switch 2
Currently, GTA 6 is only planned for PlayStation and Xbox consoles. Given that Rockstar Games intends to sell millions of copies of GTA VI, the game will probably move to new systems at some point. It’s basically a guarantee that GTA VI will come eventually pc. This has been the case with every modern Rockstar Games title: launch first on console and encourage a consumer double-dip to PC about a year later. Expect this version to take advantage of all the hardware power and mod support that PC gamers can throw at it.
But what about the Nintendo Switch 2? Nintendo’s hybrid system is breaking sales records and smashing mainstream hits like Call of Duty and Madden. Plus, it already has classic Rockstar Games releases, like the GTA Trilogy and Red Dead Redemption. Is GTA 6 coming to Nintendo Switch 2? Considering that Rockstar Games made a GTA 6 version that runs on the weak Xbox Series S hardware, a Switch 2 port is possible, given all the financial incentives. But nothing is confirmed at this point.
Judgment
So, for now, when it comes to playing Grand Theft Auto VI at launch, the right choice is between Microsoft and Sony’s consoles. And when you consider power, price and popularity, the PlayStation 5 (whether basic, all-digital or pro) is the best option for most gamers.
About Our Expert
Jordan Minor
Principal Writer, Software
experience
My PCMag career started in 2013 as an intern. Now, I am a senior writer, using the skills I acquired at Northwestern University to write about dating apps, meal kits, programming software, website builders, video streaming services, and video games. I was previously a senior editor at Geek.com and wrote for the AV Club, Kotaku, and Paste Magazine. I am the author of the game history book Video Game of the Year: A Year-by-Year Guide to the Best, Boldest, and Most Bizarre Games of Every Year Since 1977and the reason everything you know about Street Sharks is a lie.
Read the full bio