The gaming world has been buzzing with excitement ever since Rockstar confirmed the release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), one of the most anticipated video games of the decade. But as the 2025 release approaches, many are beginning to realize that they might not be able to jump into the streets of Vice City right away. In fact, millions of gamers might find themselves unable to play the game at launch, thanks to the hardware requirements and potential delays in platform availability.

While the official launch window for GTA 6 is expected to fall in the autumn of 2025, likely in September, October, or November, there’s more to this release than just the excitement of a new installment. Here’s why the wait might not be as sweet for everyone.

GTA 6 will be the biggest game of all time (**Rockstar**)

GTA 6: Official 2025 Launch—But for Who?

In a recent announcement, Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, confirmed that GTA 6 will indeed arrive in 2025, easing concerns of a further delay. However, as eager gamers prepare to rush to stores for their copy, there’s one key issue that could sour the excitement: hardware limitations.

Who Won’t Be Able to Play GTA 6?

GTA 6 is being developed for the latest generation of gaming consoles. This means if you’re still gaming on the PlayStation 4 (PS4) or Xbox One, you’ll be out of luck. Unfortunately, the game won’t be compatible with these last-generation consoles. The leap in technology from these older systems to newer ones means GTA 6 will require more processing power and graphical capabilities than the PS4 or Xbox One can offer.

In an official press release, Rockstar Games confirmed that GTA 6 will launch on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S only, marking a significant step away from the previous consoles. The statement reads:

“Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., is proud to announce that Grand Theft Auto VI is coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2025.”

Still no exact date but no delay, either (**Rockstar**)

Explore More: What’s New in GTA 6 That Makes It So Demanding?

Out with the Old: PS4 and Xbox One’s Time Has Passed

The PS4 and Xbox One were both released over a decade ago, in 2013, which means these consoles are now firmly part of gaming history. While they were state-of-the-art when they launched, technology has evolved rapidly, and their hardware just isn’t equipped to handle the ambitious scale of GTA 6.

In short, if you’re still holding onto a PS4 or Xbox One, you’ll have to make a choice: upgrade to a newer console or miss out on one of the biggest game launches in history. The good news? The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S are both readily available now, and they offer significantly better performance and visuals.

Learn More: Comparing PS5 and Xbox Series X: Which One is Right for You?

What About PC Gamers? Will There Be a GTA 6 for PC?

Another group of players that might be left waiting are those who prefer gaming on PC. Although Rockstar Games has confirmed that GTA 6 will be available for consoles first, a PC version is not expected to release alongside the console versions. In fact, PC gamers might have to wait months or even years before they can play the game.

A similar situation occurred with GTA 5, which was first released in September 2013 for PS3 and Xbox 360. It was then upgraded for PS4 and Xbox One in 2014, but the PC version didn’t arrive until April 2015—a full 18 months after the initial release. If this trend continues, the PC version of GTA 6 might not launch until 2026 or beyond.

For those who prefer gaming on PC, this extended wait could be a significant downside. Additionally, with the potential of higher prices for the game (rumored to be around $100 or £80), the cost may increase for early adopters.

Find Out More: The GTA 5 PC Launch and What It Means for GTA 6

Social Media Reactions: How Fans Are Reacting to GTA 6

As news of GTA 6’s 2025 release spreads, social media platforms are lighting up with opinions, memes, and speculations. Here’s a look at some of the most interesting reactions from fans around the world:

Twitter Reactions

@GamingGuru posted:“GTA 6 looks insane! But… I still play on PS4. Looks like I’ll be stuck watching #GTAVideo #GTA6Memes 😭”See More Reactions on Twitter
@NextGenGamer tweeted:“GTA 6 is gonna be AMAZING but my PS4 is ready for retirement. Time to upgrade! #NextGenGaming #PS5 #GTA6Hype”Follow the Conversation on Twitter

Reddit Discussion

On Reddit, the excitement is equally palpable. A user named u/GTAfan123 posted:

“I’ve been waiting for this for years, but I’m stuck with an old PC. How long do you think it’ll be until we see the PC version of GTA 6? I can’t wait much longer!”

Join the Discussion on Reddit

Instagram Reactions

Instagram users have been sharing their excitement through posts and stories. One particularly popular post from @GamingLegends reads:

“Counting down the days for GTA 6 to drop! Can’t wait to hit the streets of Vice City again, but I need that PS5 first. 😅💥”

See the Full Post on Instagram

How Long Will We Have to Wait for GTA 6?

As of now, Rockstar Games has confirmed that GTA 6 is still on track for a 2025 release. The autumn window (likely between September and November) seems to be the sweet spot, although an exact date hasn’t been revealed yet.

Rumors about the potential delay of GTA 6 to 2026 have caused some concern, but Take-Two has put those fears to rest. While the game’s official launch date remains a mystery, it’s good to know that the release won’t be postponed further, at least for now.

However, even with the official confirmation, there’s still uncertainty surrounding the PC release and the possibility that the game may not be ready for everyone come launch day.

The Price Tag: Will GTA 6 Be Worth the Wait?

While waiting for the PC version or the price to drop, it’s important to consider how much GTA 6 will cost. As previously mentioned, rumors are circulating that the game could cost as much as $100 (or £80) for the base version at launch. If that turns out to be true, it would make GTA 6 one of the most expensive games ever released.

However, some fans believe that Rockstar might price it lower to make the game more accessible to a wider audience. With the massive popularity of the GTA series, it’s likely that Rockstar will offer various editions of the game, each with different features and pricing options. Regardless of the final price, one thing is for sure: GTA 6 will be a game worth checking out, even if it’s not immediately playable on all platforms.

Check Out: How GTA 6 Compares to Other Big Game Releases in 2025

Conclusion: The Future of GTA 6

The excitement surrounding GTA 6 is palpable, and it’s clear that this game will be a major milestone for Rockstar Games. However, the reality for many gamers is that launch day may not be the instant gratification they’ve come to expect. GTA 6 will likely be unplayable for millions due to its hardware demands, with some players left waiting for months or even years to get their hands on it.

Whether you’re planning to upgrade your console, hold out for a PC version, or just enjoy the ride once the game finally drops, there’s no doubt that GTA 6 will be a defining moment in gaming history. It’s just a matter of when you’ll be able to experience it.

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Featured Image Credit: Rockstar