The long-awaited GTA 6 delay might be causing bigger problems than expected, not just for fans but also for Sony and Microsoft’s next-generation console plans.
Recently, Rockstar Games announced that Grand Theft Auto 6 won’t be launching in May 2026 as planned.
Instead, it’s been pushed back to November 19, 2026, a delay of around six months.
Rockstar explained that the extra time will help the team deliver the level of quality and polish players expect from the series.
But this delay could have a ripple effect across the gaming industry, especially for console makers preparing for the next generation.
Could GTA 6 Delay the PlayStation 6 and Next Xbox?
According to Piers Harding-Rolls, Research Director of Games at Ampere Analysis, GTA 6’s new release date could influence when Sony and Microsoft launch their next consoles.
Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Harding-Rolls said GTA 6 could have “a significant impact on console sales dynamics in 2026.”
Because the game is such a powerful hardware seller, both companies likely wanted it to arrive earlier in the console cycle to boost momentum.
“Sony and Microsoft would have preferred an earlier launch to drive hardware sales,” he explained. “Now, with GTA 6 releasing later in 2026, they might consider extending the current console generation and launching their new systems in 2028 instead of 2027.”
While many modern games now release on both current and next-gen systems, GTA remains one of the few franchises that can shape the market’s direction on its own.
Its launch timing often impacts not just console sales but also the overall gaming landscape.
What’s Next for PS6 and the Next Xbox?
Right now, neither Sony nor Microsoft has officially confirmed when their next consoles, the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox, will arrive.
Both companies are keeping quiet, although early leaks suggest major improvements in performance, visuals, and AI-driven features.
Still, Harding-Rolls’ comments fit Rockstar’s usual release pattern.
The studio has a long history of launching blockbuster titles near the end of console lifecycles:
- GTA 5 arrived just months before the PS4 and Xbox One launched.
- Red Dead Redemption 2 came out about two years before the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S hit the market.
If Rockstar continues that trend, GTA 6’s late 2026 launch could once again mark the final big release of this console generation, giving Sony and Microsoft time to prepare for a 2028 next-gen debut.
Final Thoughts
The GTA 6 delay isn’t just about waiting longer for the game, it could also change how fast the gaming industry moves into its next chapter.
With the game expected to break records and push hardware to its limits, it makes sense that Sony and Microsoft might ride the GTA 6 wave a little longer before jumping into the next generation.
