GTA 6 is already helping the global console market, even before its release. Since pre-orders began, PS5 and Xbox consoles have seen a surge in demand worldwide. This trend was fueled after the Netflix GTA 6 Extended Look showcase.
According to recent reports, after August 27, PS5 sales in the UK rose 33% in one week. Xbox Series X|S sales also went up by 34% in the same period. To everyone’s surprise, even Nintendo Switch 2 sales have climbed in the recent times, though GTA 6 won’t release on the console. Notably, the sudden surge led to console shortages in several UK markets; only Sony’s official website has PS5 Pro available.
The sales jump shows how much excitement GTA 6 is creating. The game is set to launch on November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PC version will not be available at launch. This could push many players with older consoles to upgrade. Still, it is too early to say whether the rise in sales will last. The spike could grow closer to launch, but it may slow down once the initial hype fades.
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The timing could not be better for Sony and Microsoft. UK console sales were under pressure, with sales down 14.4% year-on-year by the end of July. The latest data revealed that PS5 sales had dropped 32%, while Xbox Series X|S sales were up 3.1%. GTA 6 has now given the market a much-needed lift. Some UK retailers even saw PS5 stock run low after the Netflix showcase.
GTA 6 could become a major reason for players to leave their old PS4 or Xbox One consoles behind. Those who have been waiting for a big reason to upgrade may finally make the move. The real test will come after launch. If players keep buying current-gen consoles because of GTA 6, the game could have a much bigger effect on the console market. If the demand keeps rising before launch, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S sales could get another major boost.