Grand Theft Auto 6 has been delayed once again, and the consequences may extend far beyond Rockstar’s schedule. According to industry analysis, the game’s massive influence could be enough to push back the launch of the next generation of consoles from both Sony and Microsoft.
GTA 6 Moves to November 2026
Rockstar’s newest delay shifts the GTA 6 release window from May 2026 to November 2026. While many expected a delay due to the project’s scale, the updated timeline puts the launch extremely close to when next-gen hardware was originally expected to debut.
The game’s new release date places it right at the end of the current console cycle. With the PlayStation 6 rumored for late 2027 and the next Xbox expected around the same period, GTA 6’s timing may force platform holders to reconsider their strategies.
Analyst Believes Sony and Microsoft May Hold Back Their New Hardware
Industry analyst Piers Harding-Rolls believes GTA 6 could be a major reason for console manufacturers to delay their next hardware generation. He suggests the game’s release may create “a significant impact on console sales dynamics in 2026,” enough for Sony and Microsoft to consider extending the current generation.
GTA 6 is expected to be one of the biggest launches in gaming history, driven by more than a decade of anticipation since Grand Theft Auto 5. Because of this, the title could continue to boost PS5 and Xbox Series X/S sales well beyond 2026.
Sony has already stated that the PS5 is only halfway through its lifecycle, and Microsoft experienced a drop in console revenue over the previous fiscal year. Both companies may be tempted to maximize the lifespan of their current platforms while GTA 6 is fresh on the market.
Why Waiting Could Make Sense
On paper, delaying next-gen consoles by a year might seem unnecessary; there would still be a year between GTA 6’s launch and the rumored next console release windows. However, Harding-Rolls notes that GTA 6 could continue driving hardware sales for several years, much like its predecessor.
GTA 5 became the best-selling game of the past decade, and its success extended long after its initial launch. If GTA 6 follows a similar trajectory, platform holders may wish to take advantage of extended demand before introducing new, more expensive systems.
But a Console Delay Is Not Guaranteed
Despite the potential influence GTA 6 brings, delaying next-gen hardware is far from certain. Sony and Microsoft may decide that sticking to their existing timelines is more profitable than adjusting them around a single game—no matter how successful it might be.
Still, few titles in history have had the power to impact hardware cycles the way Grand Theft Auto does. As GTA 6 approaches its November 2026 release, both console makers will be watching closely to determine whether the game’s enormous hype reshapes their long-term plans.
