With Grand Theft Auto VI now moved to November 2026, industry analysts are examining what that means for the broader gaming ecosystem. One prediction is catching attention: the next-generation consoles from Sony and Microsoft—the PS6 and the next Xbox—might arrive later than originally planned. It’s a possibility driven by market logic, not just coincidence.
The Analyst’s Perspective
The suggestion comes from Piers Harding-Rolls, research director for games at Ampere Analysis. Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz, Harding-Rolls said GTA 6’s delay could significantly impact hardware sales in 2026, calling the new November release date a “major factor” in shaping that year’s console market. “With GTA 6 now arriving in late 2026 instead of mid-year, sales will be even more back-loaded than usual,” he explained.
According to his team’s projections, both the PS6 and next Xbox are still expected to launch in late 2027. However, if Sony and Microsoft decide to capitalise on the GTA 6 boom, they may delay those systems to 2028. “They might want to ride the GTA 6 wave and extract more from the current generation,” Harding-Rolls said. “The franchise is such a hardware driver that it will influence product strategies across the industry.”
Why GTA 6 Matters to Console Makers
Few titles influence hardware sales like Rockstar’s flagship series. GTA V reshaped console adoption when it launched in 2013, years into the PS3 and Xbox 360 era. Its later re-releases on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and eventually PS5 extended its dominance across three generations. Analysts expect a similar effect with GTA 6 first invigorating the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S base before eventually migrating to newer systems.
Harding-Rolls notes that Sony and Microsoft originally hoped for an earlier GTA 6 release to accelerate hardware momentum. The delay may force them to adjust marketing timelines to maintain strong current-gen sales well into 2027. In effect, the game could become the anchor that keeps this console generation alive longer than expected.
PS6 and Next Xbox: What We Know So Far
Neither Sony nor Microsoft has officially announced their next systems, but both have acknowledged ongoing development. Sony recently demonstrated experimental hardware technologies believed to be part of the PS6 architecture. Microsoft, meanwhile, revealed a partnership with AMD to power future Xbox platforms. Despite rumours of Microsoft stepping back from console manufacturing, the company insists it remains committed to its hardware strategy.
For now, GTA 6 remains confirmed only for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC version expected later. If history repeats itself, upgraded editions for the next generation will follow whenever those consoles arrive. Whether that’s 2027 or 2028 may depend less on technology, and more on one game’s gravitational pull over the industry.