GTA VI will be unplayable for millions at launch with gamers needing to make big decision
Published on May 26, 2026 at 6:06 AM (UTC-4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Jun 01, 2026 at 10:38 AM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
Millions of gamers could be faced with a completely unplayable GTA VI when it finally launches, and it all comes down to one brutal decision.
Rockstar is pushing the game as the biggest leap forward the franchise has ever seen, with massive open-world upgrades, improved graphics, more advanced AI, and huge technical improvements.
While some fans are counting down the days until they can return to Vice City, others are now facing a pretty major choice.
Why GTA VI will be unplayable for some gamers
This gaming problem is surprisingly simple.
If you’re still gaming on a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, possibly the most highly anticipated game ever, GTA VI, just won’t run on your console; that’s right, it’ll be completely unplayable.
And considering just how expensive current-gen consoles still are, that decision isn’t exactly an easy one.
The game is currently scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S only.
There is also still no official word on a PC release date, which has frustrated a lot of players hoping to avoid buying a new console altogether.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick previously explained that Rockstar tends to focus on console launches first because that’s where its ‘core consumer’ audience is.
Unsurprisingly, the news sparked a huge reaction online.
Some gamers pointed out that the PS5 and Xbox Series X have already been out for years, arguing players have had plenty of time to upgrade.
Others said the cost of buying a new console just to play one game is a huge ask, especially with the current price of gaming hardware.
Rockstar is betting huge on millions of gamers upgrading
The pressure surrounding GTA VI is absolutely massive.
Its predecessor, GTA V, launched all the way back in 2013 and has since become one of the best-selling video games ever made with nearly 230 million copies sold worldwide.
That means expectations for the sequel are now sky-high.
Industry analysts are already predicting GTA VI could generate billions of dollars in sales during its first year alone, potentially making it one of the biggest entertainment launches in history.
Rockstar also seems determined to avoid a disastrous release, which is reportedly part of the reason behind the game’s constant delays.
But despite the extra wait, fans are still desperate to get their hands on it because only three things in life are certain: death, taxes, and Rockstar release delays.
Unfortunately for millions of players still using older consoles, that excitement might also come with a very expensive upgrade bill.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
