By It is recognized that Sony and Microsoft are developing new console systems—the PS6 and next Xbox—but when could they be launched? According to Piers Harding-Rolls, the head of research for games at Ampere Analysis, these upcoming consoles may debut later than anticipated due to the GTA 6 postponement. This scenario is possible, yet it’s not what Ampere predicts.
He informed GI.biz that the postponement of GTA 6 will exert a “substantial influence on console sales dynamics in 2026.” This occurs because, with GTA 6 now set for November 2026 instead of May 2026, console sales will be “even more back-loaded” than usual. How does the delay of GTA 6 influence the release dates of the next-generation consoles? Harding-Rolls mentioned that his organization is projecting the new systems to debut in late 2027, but that could alter if the platform holders wish to extract more value from GTA 6.
“Could the console manufacturers be enticed to maximize gains from the current console generation by riding the wave of GTA 6 and delaying until 2028? The fact that games are now cross-generation reduces this consideration somewhat, but due to the magnitude of the GTA franchise, the timing of the launch will compel all segments of the gaming industry to reassess their product strategies,” he clarified.
Harding-Rolls further asserted that GTA 6 will be “such a crucial catalyst for hardware sales,” and not only at the game’s release, but for numerous years afterwards. “Sony and Microsoft would have preferred a much sooner launch than late 2026 to build momentum earlier in the lifecycle,” he remarked.
One of the factors that GTA 5’s impressive sales can be attributed to is that the game was released later in the PS3 and Xbox 360 lifecycles, arriving several years post the debut of those consoles. Consequently, the user base of those systems was substantial at that point, and then Rockstar re-released GTA 5 for the PS4 and Xbox One when those consoles launched in 2014. Afterward, Rockstar introduced the game on PC in 2015 and then to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2022.
What do we have regarding the PS6 and next Xbox?
Both Sony and Microsoft have confirmed their endeavors towards new consoles, but neither has made an official announcement. Sony, on its part, recently showcased some innovative experimental technology that could power its next console. Microsoft, on the other hand, disclosed a collaboration with AMD earlier this year for forthcoming platforms. Speculation has circulated recently that Microsoft might exit the console industry; however, the company asserts that’s not accurate.
At this moment, GTA 6 is confirmed only for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, but if Rockstar follows a similar approach as it did with GTA 5, fans can anticipate it to arrive on PC later and potentially new consoles.
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