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Let’s talk about whether GTA 6 should be released on previous-gen consoles and the pros and cons that come with it.
Players are eagerly waiting for Rockstar Games to reveal more information about GTA 6 and what it offers. One of the topics commonly discussed about the game is whether it will also be released on previous-generation consoles. These platforms were home to the wildly successful GTA 5.
Releasing the sequel to a decade-old title on the same platforms might seem like a smart move to expand the player base. However, it also brings a few downsides that Rockstar needs to consider. In this article, let’s dive into whether GTA 6 should release on previous-gen consoles and the pros and cons that come with it.
Note: Some parts of this article are subjective and reflect only the writer’s opinions and analysis.
Also Read: Has GTA 6 Been Confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2
Pros of Releasing GTA 6 on Previous-Gen Consoles
1. Massive Potential Playerbase
According to a report from Sony, PS5 and PS4 have around 129 million combined active accounts as of 2024. Meanwhile, Xbox has around 200 million active users, according to Demand Sage statistics.
A good number of these users may still be using older-generation consoles. Many players still rely on these consoles, especially in regions where newer hardware is harder to acquire. Releasing GTA 6 on these platforms would allow Rockstar to tap into an enormous existing audience.
2. Increased Revenue Potential
From a business perspective, expanding to previous-gen means higher sales volumes. GTA 5 shipped over 210 million copies as of February 2025, according to data from Statista, in part because it launched across three console generations. It even became a meme, with fans discussing whether GTA 5 would beat Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim in terms of the most re-releases on various consoles.
Adding PS4 and Xbox One to GTA 6’s platform list could help break records again. Considering the hype surrounding this unreleased title, there is a high chance that history will repeat itself, maybe even better.
3. Wider Accessibility
There are a good number of players who might not be able to afford next-gen consoles. Furthermore, there are also players who prefer to stick with previous-gen consoles and refuse to upgrade. Some casual gamers, particularly younger gamers, continue to game on older consoles until they get a new one. By launching GTA 6 on previous-gen consoles, Rockstar would not alienate long-time fans who have supported the series for more than a decade.
Also Read: 5 Characters GTA 6 Can Bring Back From Previous Games in the Series
Cons of Releasing GTA 6 on Previous-Gen Consoles
1. Technical Limitations
The PS4 and Xbox One were released in 2013 and are severely outdated by modern standards. This means developers will have to make workarounds for GTA 6 to be compatible with older hardware. Otherwise, their aging CPUs, limited RAM, and slower storage could bottleneck performance. This can result in longer load times, reduced draw distances, and noticeable frame drops.
GTA 6 looked stunning in the first trailer reveal. With how passionate fans are about the game, Rockstar can’t settle for a “good enough” release.
2. Compromised Game Design
To get GTA 6 to work on older hardware, Rockstar would probably need to reduce the size of the open world or somehow find a means to render the environment without sacrificing performance. They managed to achieve seamless rendering in their previous titles without making it overly noticeable. Maybe they can do the same with GTA 6 as well.
Additionally, the AI complexity for NPCs and other mechanics of the game might also be changed. Furthermore, graphical fidelity might be lowered, or next-gen technologies such as ray tracing might be removed entirely. This would dilute the intended experience for players who were expecting GTA 6 to be an upgrade from the previous titles.
Also Read: 5 Improvements a Potential GTA 6 Online Needs
3. Increased Development Burden
Simultaneously developing and optimizing for several generations at once adds complexity, expense, and risk of delays or bugs. The problems might be worse if GTA 6 includes an online game mode that needs constant content updates.
Rather than devoting attention to making the experience as good as possible for existing-gen players, Rockstar would need to share resources, something that could detrimentally affect the game’s launch polish. Each console might need its own unique bug fixes or content updates. This means dividing the time and effort of the developers instead of joining forces to make one significant update that everyone gets to enjoy.
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