Review

GTA6 Release Dates: PS5 2026, PS6 2027, PC 2028

  • Updated December 17, 2025
  • Matilda Murray
  • 189 comments

Industry speculation suggests the PlayStation 6 is likely to arrive in 2027, which may explain why Rockstar appears to be taking its time with platform releases. If this timeline holds, we could see GTA6 debut on the PS5 in late 2026, followed by a version for the PS6 in late 2027. A PC release would then be expected around late 2028. This staggered approach would allow the studio to maximize its audience across console generations.

Choose a language:

189 Comments

  1. If this staggered release timeline is true, it really highlights Rockstar’s strategy to maximize sales across console generations, as mentioned. As a PC gamer, the idea of waiting until 2028 is a tough pill to swallow, but it does track with their past release patterns. I might just have to finally break down and get a console for this one—anyone else planning to do the same?

    1. I hear you—as a PC gamer, waiting until 2028 is definitely a challenge, especially when the staggered release does follow Rockstar’s past patterns. If you’re considering a console, you might want to keep an eye on PS5 deals as we get closer to 2026, since that could make the jump more affordable. Are you leaning toward picking up a console, or will you hold out for the PC version? Let us know what you decide.

  2. If this timeline is accurate, it’s a smart but frustrating move by Rockstar to maximize sales across console generations. I remember waiting over a year for the PC version of GTA V, and it looks like we might be in for a similar, even longer wait until 2028. I’ll probably end up playing it on a friend’s PS5 first, but I really hope the eventual PC port gets the optimization it deserves. Does anyone think this staggered release will become the new standard for major cross-gen titles?

    1. I totally get your frustration, especially remembering that long wait for GTA V on PC—it looks like history might repeat itself. This staggered release does feel like a strategic move that could set a precedent for other major titles aiming to capture both console generations. To make the wait for the PC version easier, you could follow some trusted tech channels for early optimization rumors as we get closer to 2028. What’s your take—do you think the extended gap will be worth it for a more polished PC experience?

  3. If this timeline is accurate, it’s a smart but tough move to maximize sales across console generations, though waiting until 2028 for the PC version feels like a long stretch. As someone who primarily games on PC, I remember the wait for Red Dead Redemption 2’s PC port, and it looks like we’re in for a similar, lengthy delay. What do other PC players plan to do in the meantime—stick it out or consider a console for the initial release?

    1. I totally hear you—as a fellow PC gamer, I remember that Red Dead Redemption 2 wait all too well, and it’s tough to see a similar pattern emerging. If you’re eager to play at launch, one practical move could be to keep an eye on PS5 deals or even consider a used console later in 2026, as that might bridge the gap more affordably. How are you leaning—are you thinking of holding out, or is the temptation to jump to console growing? Let me know what you decide!

  4. If this timeline is accurate, it’s a smart but tough move to maximize sales across console generations, though waiting until 2028 for the PC version feels like a long stretch. As a PC gamer, I remember the wait for Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC, and it looks like we’re in for another patient cycle. Does anyone think this staggered release could actually backfire if the hype dies down?

    1. I hear you—as a fellow PC gamer, I remember that Red Dead Redemption 2 wait all too well, and another two-year stretch does feel like a test of patience. Rockstar’s staggered strategy does risk some hype fading, but their track record shows these launches still become major events; keeping an eye on modding communities and wishlisting the game can help build anticipation during the wait. What are your thoughts on how the PC mod scene might shape the experience once it arrives?

  5. Red Dead 2 can run at 60fps on PS5, but it hasn’t been released yet. GTA is what will shape Take-Two’s future, and they weren’t confident enough to commit to a date sooner. It’s been mentioned that they typically only know for sure about six months before launch whether they can hit their target.

    The PS5 is the best-selling console ever, and the audience is large enough for a massive GTA6 launch. Many people will buy a console specifically for it, and when the online mode arrives, households may pick up an extra copy.

    As for PS6, a 2027 release isn’t guaranteed—that’s just a window. AAA development cycles are long, and we’re at a point where production demands outweigh visual gains. The PS6 won’t radically change first-party output; it will mainly give unoptimized engines and games more breathing room.

    1. It’s always surprising to see this, especially since it’s not even the Pro model. The PS5 Pro subreddit is filled with posts of people showing their new console boxes captioned, “Ready for GTAVI!” while others comment that their PS5 has been sitting in the box waiting for the game.

      Have people not played games or owned a console since the 360/PS3 era just to play GTAV? Besides, we still know very little about GTAVI. Spending hundreds on a console solely for an unreleased game doesn’t make much sense to me.

    2. Good choice. I bought a PS5 Slim in November 2024. The Pro was supposed to release then, but it didn’t. Also, GTA6 was originally set for 2025, but nothing came to fruition.

        1. Be careful with those. I traded my PS5 to GameStop for money, but it would shut off after about 20 minutes for no reason. I think many of the original models had heat issues. They still accepted it, so I assume someone bought it.

        2. One concern preventing me from buying a second-hand console is the risk of purchasing a banned unit. I also think the PS6 will face the same issue as the PS5, where developers continue releasing games for the previous generation instead of focusing on next-gen titles.

          1. If you’re considering buying it secondhand, I’d recommend going through a reputable shop. I live in France and bought my PS3 from Easycash. A friend once got an iPhone from there that was locked or bricked, which the shop should have caught. They replaced it, so I assume they’d do the same if it were banned.

          2. If your console is banned, can’t you still log in with your account?

            GTA 5 first came out on PS3 and Xbox 360. Many of my friends bought it right away. I got it on PS4, and the difference was significant, though it was also developed for the new generation. GTA6 is reportedly being developed for the PS5 Pro. I’m not sure if it will be that much better on the next generation, but since I’ll be playing it for years, I’ll probably skip the PS5.

          3. Based on Rockstar’s page, the screenshots were taken on a base PS5, so the game is being optimized for that version rather than the PS5 Pro. If you’re looking for better framerate, it will be significantly improved on next-gen hardware, so you may want to wait for the PS6 version.

          4. I found a PS5 with two controllers on OfferUp for $300, which is a great deal. It’s exciting to finally experience features like the DualSense. Even though the console has been out for five years, it’s new to me since I’ve only had a PS5 for about 10 weeks. I was anticipating the May release of GTA6 and wanted to get one before secondhand prices increased. It’s a cool system, and while I’m not overly focused on graphics, it’s nice to see the improvement. I mainly upgraded because Skate ran poorly on my PS4, but to each their own. I’d recommend checking the secondhand market—there are plenty available, especially after the State of Play livestream. The PS4 is reaching the end of its lifecycle at 12 years old, while the PS5 is only five years in. If you get one now, you should get at least three solid years of use before needing to upgrade.

          5. In just five years, hardware can become outdated quickly. I know that’s not what people want to hear, and I get it. But technology advances so fast that even high-end graphics cards can feel behind within six months. I have a 5080 and am already considering upgrading to a 6090 as soon as possible.

          6. As a console player, I don’t prioritize having the latest graphics. What appeals to me are features like the potential RDR2 remaster running at 60 fps, and I’m particularly interested in the DualSense support. Since I’m in my final year of undergraduate studies and don’t game as competitively as I did a decade ago, I mainly focus on enjoying my limited free time with video games.

        1. I doubt that will happen, since they’ll likely want to double-dip on sales. They can sell millions of copies on PS5 and then release a 60fps version for PS6 a year later.

      1. As a console user, this makes perfect sense. I always advise my PC, Switch, and Xbox friends not to buy a PlayStation unless they plan to stick with it long-term. If you want to play a specific game, consider buying the console second-hand or look for the cheapest option, especially during Black Friday sales.

      1. I also considered this, but it’s a long generation with a slow start due to shortages, and the PS6 isn’t expected until 2028. The next Xbox should arrive by 2027, or if it were 2026, it might push Sony to release in 2027. The PS5 Pro will likely serve as the PS6 equivalent for 2026.

    3. I haven’t bought a PS5 yet because I’m waiting for GTA6. In that case, I’m actually waiting for the PS6.

      Same. They double-dipped with GTA5 by releasing it on PS3 and then re-releasing an “upgrade” for PS4. I’m also going to wait for the PS6 release.

    4. If Steam releases its own console that can access PlayStation exclusives, Xbox exclusives, and Steam, I think it’s best to wait for that instead. I plan to sell both of my PS5s regardless of the Steam console’s price. It also supports all controllers, which is great because the original Steam controller isn’t very appealing.

  6. This would be the opposite scenario—they would actually be rushing to release it. If they launch GTA6 on PS5, they can optimize it for PS6, potentially adding features like 60 fps, and then re-release it later. Releasing it just a few months before PS6 would mean missing out on sales from people who only buy it for the new console.

    PlayStations typically launch near the end of the year, so without delays, GTA6 would likely arrive at least a year before PS6. Take-Two/Rockstar probably wouldn’t want to release it any closer to the PS6 launch.

    Ultimately, they want to maximize sales by encouraging players to buy GTA6 on both PS5 and PS6.

  7. It doesn’t matter, because it’s not part of a larger strategy. Even if the PS6 releases in 2031, they’ll still launch GTA6 on it. Rockstar isn’t rushing because they have a significant amount of money and Take-Two’s trust. That’s all there is to it.

  8. Didn’t someone at Sony recently say the PS5 is only halfway through its cycle? I don’t see a reason to release a new console soon, since the PS5 is a powerhouse and developers have only recently started to fully utilize its capabilities.

  9. You all are truly wild. As if GTA is the only game that exists. There have been hundreds of great games to enjoy since its launch.

    If you don’t actually play or enjoy gaming outside of GTA every 15 years, that’s fine, but making statements like that is just objectively wrong.

    1. It’s not objectively wrong. Since 99% of PS5 games are also available on PC, why should I buy the console? Ghost of Yotei and Spider-Man 2 don’t interest me. Is there anything else?

      1. 99% is also inaccurate, and that’s not what you said. You didn’t say it makes more sense to stay on PC than buy a console. You called the generation trash and said there’s zero reason to buy a console, implying the exception is GTA6.

      1. This narrative that gaming is only for children is ridiculous. If anything, the opposite is true.

        It’s even more absurd because GTA is one of the games most clearly targeted at kids and teenagers in the first place. So games are only for kids, except when they’re actually for kids? That doesn’t make sense.

  10. The PS6 isn’t expected until 2028. GTA6 was developed for the PS5 generation and won’t skip it, especially since the next generation will have a much smaller player base.

    1. That statement was misunderstood. It simply means the PS5 will continue to receive games for many years after the PS6 releases, similar to previous generations. The PS4 is still getting games after 12 years.

  11. I can’t afford a PlayStation 5, and I won’t be buying a PlayStation 6 because it’s too expensive. I have bills to pay, and my PlayStation 4 is good enough for me. It looks like I won’t be able to play GTA6, but that’s okay. I’m happy with what I have, and I don’t care what anyone thinks just because I don’t have a PlayStation 5 or a Nintendo Switch 2. As I said, I have bills to pay.

  12. Sony likely won’t release the PS6 yet because this is their final opportunity to sell millions more PS5 units. After that, they can launch the PS6 and promote how much better GTA6 runs on it to boost sales again.

  13. Red Dead Redemption 2 was delayed three times and launched on consoles in November 2018, then on PC in November 2019. If GTA6 follows the same strategy and releases on consoles in November 2026, it will hopefully come to PC in November 2027.

    GTA5 Enhanced came out in March 2025, so any improvements for the PS6 or next Xbox—whatever they call it—might not arrive until 2036 or later. It’s disappointing to think about, but that’s likely the reality.

    1. The PlayStation 6 may still release before 2027, but the PS5 will continue to receive support for several years even after the next generation launches. This is similar to how the PS4 and PS5 coexisted for some time. The most likely release window for the PS6 is late 2027 to early 2028.

      1. PS3 and Xbox 360 were supported for only two years after the PS4 and Xbox One launched. The PS4 is still receiving new games today. Due to Microsoft’s policies during the first few years of this generation, we didn’t see true next-gen games until recently, unless they were PS5 exclusives. This isn’t a fanboy statement—developers and publishers have confirmed that Microsoft’s requirement for games to run on both Series S and Series X meant development had to prioritize last-gen processing power.

    1. They canceled about 12 gaming projects because they pushed a live service model that nobody wanted. This included live service versions of God of War, The Last of Us, and Spider-Man, along with other unknown titles. Instead, they could have delivered actual games by now.

  14. It’s unlikely that GTA6 will be delayed for a new console generation. Rockstar has consistently pushed the limits of hardware with their last two releases, GTA5 and RDR2, both of which maximized the capabilities of the PS3 and PS4. It’s impressive that GTA5 even ran on the PS3.

    The PS5 has been out for five years, and while there have been notable games, few feel like true next-gen experiences. The first five years of the PS5 seem to have passed more quickly than the PS4’s early years (2013–2018), and it feels like we had more standout games in the previous decade. This could just be a matter of perception.

    I’m confident GTA6 will fully utilize the PS5 and current-generation hardware, setting new industry standards. When the PS6 likely launches in 2027, we can expect an updated version of GTA6, similar to how GTA5 released in September 2013 just before the PS4 arrived.

  15. I doubt it. Sony’s CFO stated that the PS5 is now in the middle of its life cycle, and since it’s only five years old, we likely won’t see the PS6 for another four to five years. That’s actually a good thing. While the PS6 may offer better frame rates, 8K resolution, and other improvements, the graphical leap won’t be as drastic as it was from PS1 to PS2 or PS2 to PS3.

  16. I’m also looking forward to it. When it launches, I plan to rent a PS5 for a month to finish the campaign. If the PS6 comes out before the PC version, I’ll get that instead.

  17. There might be one more short delay. If I’m correct, GTA6 is coming in early 2027 instead of November 2025 for current-gen consoles. If next-gen consoles launch in 2027, the PS6 version of GTA6 would likely arrive in early 2028, with the PC version following in 2029–2030. This is a worst-case scenario.

    1. No, by “halfway” they meant the lifespan of when those consoles are still supported. The PS4’s lifespan is still ongoing according to that. Late 2027 or early 2028 is very possible.

  18. I’ve been concerned about this for months. My worry is that Rockstar could face a Duke Nukem scenario, repeatedly delaying GTA 6 to update it for next-generation hardware, only for the graphics to look dated upon release. While Rockstar has patented impressive animations and character AI, professional critics might still find reasons to complain.

  19. My TV is a few years old, and I was considering buying a new one. However, it doesn’t make sense to get one just for the PS5. If I plan to use the TV for several years, I should get one that meets PS6 specifications.

    1. I doubt the PS6 will go beyond 4K resolution or consistently exceed 60 frames per second, especially given current development trends. Both consoles will likely require the same TV specifications—4K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. I’m quite certain about this.

      1. It’s surprising this was downvoted. You’re absolutely right. The PS6 won’t magically exceed 4K 120fps capabilities, and any worthwhile TV in 2025 will already support 4K 120.

    1. It could also be that there have been very few games released exclusively for current-generation consoles. In 2025, major titles like Call of Duty and NBA 2K were still launching on PS4, whereas similar games had already stopped supporting PS3 by this point in the previous generation. There are some exceptions, though—Battlefield 6, for example, was only released on current-gen systems.

    2. According to Sony’s statistics, nearly 50% of their users are still on PS4. Given the high user base, it’s still financially justifiable to release games for that console. So I don’t understand why they’re releasing a PS6 so soon.

    3. Due to supply chain issues, although it technically launched in 2020, it only became readily available in stores around 2023. From a consumer standpoint, the current generation is only a couple of years old. Whether Sony views it as that new is another matter entirely.

  20. The PlayStation 3 launched on November 17, 2006.
    After 7 years, the PlayStation 4 followed on November 15, 2013.
    The PlayStation 4 Pro released on November 10, 2016, 2 years and 361 days later.
    The PlayStation 5 arrived on November 12, 2020, a gap of 4 years and 3 days.
    The PlayStation 5 Pro is set for November 7, 2024, 3 years and 361 days after the PS5.

    Based on this pattern, the PlayStation 6 will likely release around November 10, 2027.

    1. Based on previous console cycles, the PS6 will likely release well before 2030, though you might still receive about five more years of support for your current system.

      1. This cycle is different from previous ones. Games aren’t even fully optimized for the PS5’s capabilities, so they certainly wouldn’t be optimized for the more powerful PS6. Sony has stated this themselves.

  21. This release will likely follow the same pattern as GTA V. It will launch near the end of the current console generation, receive enhancements for the next generation shortly after, and then get further improvements, such as a PC version, to cap off that generation’s lifecycle.

  22. It’s also rumored to release in 2028, so until Sony makes an official announcement, we can’t be certain. The PS6 launch date likely isn’t a priority for them, as releasing closer to it offers little benefit. In fact, delaying it further might be better, since players will expect a significant upgrade when moving to the next console.

    Additionally, the GTA6 launch will likely encourage millions of PS4 users to upgrade to PS5, given the large player base still on last-gen consoles. In the current economy, it’s unrealistic to expect 10 million+ people to upgrade their console and then do so again a year later.

    As for claims that it will launch on PS6, that doesn’t make business sense unless there are technical limitations, which is unlikely. Given how successfully GTA V transitioned across generations, they’ll likely aim to double-dip again. The PC version also won’t be far behind, as they’ll want to release it sooner than they did with GTA V, which came to PC six months after the PS4 version.

  23. That doesn’t make sense. The player count will remain the same regardless. Delaying until the launch of a new console would only make sense if they were releasing an improved version, which I doubt they would do.

    They’re more likely to re-release it when the new console arrives, marketing it as enhanced to generate additional revenue.

    1. They earn less when this happens. If GTA5 had released in 2012, everyone with a PS3 would have bought it, and then bought it again for the PS4. Launching on both consoles at once meant they missed out on many players buying the game twice.

  24. It’s unlikely the delay is related. If anything, they might release it sooner for PS5. More people would buy it for a first playthrough, then upgrade for a second when PS6 launches.

  25. Why are people eager for GTA6 to release on future consoles like PS6 or Xbox with unspecified models?

    Recent console launches have made devices nearly impossible to obtain during their first year. The game wouldn’t primarily be developed for those systems anyway. A new console release would likely bring higher game prices and potentially digital-only distribution, which is problematic for those with limited internet access.

    A new console alone could cost between $500 and $1,000. The base storage capacity would likely be insufficient, requiring players to wait for compatible memory cards before they can store a reasonable number of games.

          1. I doubt they’ll update GTA6 just one year after new consoles launch. It will likely take at least two years following the PS6 release.

  26. I still have my PS4 and never upgraded to a PS5. At this point, it makes more sense to wait for the PS6.

    It’s a shame Rockstar didn’t make GTA6 exclusively for next-gen PS6 and Xbox consoles. Without the limitations of PS5 and Series X hardware, they could have fully utilized the technology without holding anything back.

    1. Red Dead Redemption 2 was developed for the PS4 and exceeded what many thought possible for that console. It showed us the PS4’s capabilities when pushed to its limit. We have yet to see the PS5 pushed to its limit, and it’s going to be impressive.

  27. It’s unlikely that Rockstar is waiting for a perfect release window, such as the PS6 launch. Rockstar focuses on development, while Take Two handles sales. Rockstar typically has full creative control and will release GTA6 when they believe it’s ready, rather than trying to time the market.

      1. I’m also curious about how Sony defines a product’s life cycle. For instance, the PS3 launched in 2006 and the PS4 in 2013, but Sony didn’t discontinue the PS3 until 2017. Does the PS3’s life cycle span from 2006 to 2013, or from 2006 to 2017? If it’s the latter, then the PS3 was just over halfway through its life cycle when the PS4 was released.

    1. When I first read Sony’s statement, I thought they might be planning a longer console life cycle than the usual seven years, or perhaps splitting the generation into three parts—two years each—which would still align with their announcement.

  28. They did the same thing with the Xbox 360 and Xbox One, releasing it late in the 360’s lifecycle so people would buy it when they upgraded to the next console.

  29. Rockstar has no reason to wait for the PS6. For it to have a meaningful impact, they would need to delay until enough players own the console, which probably won’t happen until 2028 or 2029.

Leave a Reply