I’ve had some time now to absorb the avalanche of new information about Grand Theft Auto VI, 2026’s most hyped video game. Details about the open-world crime epic cameay. It’s looking good! The stream offered a deeper look into Vice City, but, naturally, there’s more to discover as the Nov. 19 release date approaches
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 preorder the game. But if you’re still on the fence about which platform to pick, I’m here to help with this information-packed guide the explans what you should expect in terms of price and power.
The Best Consoles for Playing GTA 6
Sony PlayStation 5 Pro Review
- $899.99 at
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Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Review
- $499.99 at
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Microsoft Xbox Series X Review
- $573.00 at
Amazon
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GTA 6: PlayStation 5 vs. Xbox Series X
GTA 6 has been primarily advertised as a PlayStation 5 title. In fact, Rockstar Games states that the Netflix showcase was captured on Sony’s hardware. That said, GTA 6 will simultaneously launch on both current-gen platforms: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. So, if you don’t already own either system, you should consider the pros and cons.
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 like new vehicles and missions. The base PS5 and Xbox Series X are roughly equivalent in power, so you don’t need to worry about major performance differences between those two.
Grand Theft Auto VI (for PlayStation 5)
$79.99at Amazon
$79.99
Pre-Order Here
With everything else 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 rather than lower them, as was 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 slightly less at $599.99; its Xbox counterpart is $749.99.
Right now, GTA 6 is only available digitally. That’s an incrediblycontroversialmove, but it makes a cheaper digital console more appealing. Keep in mind that these prices may rise, especially if platform owners anticipate massive holiday hardware sales. They may anticipate consumers willing to pay any price to get their GTA 6 fix.
Regardless, if you’re shopping on price and GTA 6 performance, the PS5 is the clear winner between the two base consoles. However, there’s more to the story.
Grand Theft Auto VI (for Xbox Series X/S)
$79.99at Amazon
$79.99
Pre-Order Here
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. The PlayStation 5 Pro has increased horsepower, enabling it to play games at higher resolutions and with better frame rates. Right now, expect GTA 6 to run at 30 frames per second on standard consoles.
There’s no word on the performance improvements the PS5 Pro may offer, but it’s a safe bet that the system will run the most beautiful version of GTA 6 at launch. You’ll just need to shell out a hefty $899.99 for the console.
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On the other hand, if you just want to play GTA 6 and don’t care too much about graphics, you could save money by purchasing 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 gorgeous Red Dead Redemption 2 on last-gen consoles. So you should still be able to lose yourself in Vice City, even on the lower-powered Xbox Series S.
GTA 6: PC vs. Nintendo Switch 2
Currently, GTA 6 is only slated for PlayStation and Xbox consoles. Given that Rockstar Games intends to sell millions of GTA VI copies, the game will likely move to new systems at some point. It’s basically a guarantee that GTA VI will eventually come to PC. This has been the case with every modern Rockstar Games title: launch first on console and encourage a consumer double-dip on PC about a year later. Expect that version to take advantage of all the hardware power and mod support PC players can throw at it.
But what about the Nintendo Switch 2? Nintendo’s hybrid system is breaking sales records and scooping up mainstream hits like Call of Duty and Madden. Plus, it already has classic Rockstar Games releases, such as the GTA Trilogy and Red Dead Redemption. Will GTA 6 come to Nintendo Switch 2? Considering that Rockstar Games made a GTA 6 version that runs on the weaker Xbox Series S hardware, a Switch 2 port is possible, given all the financial incentives. But nothing is confirmed at this point.
Verdict
So, for now, when it comes to playing Grand Theft Auto VI at launch, the real choice is between Microsoft and Sony’s consoles. And considering power, price, and popularity, the PlayStation 5 (whether base, all-digital, or Pro) is the best option for most gamers.
About Our Expert
Jordan Minor
Principal Writer, Software
Experience
My PCMag career began in 2013 as an intern. Now, I’m 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 have written for The A.V. Club, Kotaku, and Paste Magazine. I’m the author of the gaming history book Video Game of the Year: A Year-by-Year Guide to the Best, Boldest, and Most Bizarre Games from Every Year Since 1977, and the reason everything you know about Street Sharks is a lie.
Areas of Expertise
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