GTA 6 could help Xbox have “one last hurrah” this generation, says analyst

Unlike Sony, Microsoft doesn’t necessarily rely on console sales to stay afloat. However, according to an analyst, the release of GTA 6 could serve as a “last hurrah” for the Xbox Series X and S consoles. Rhys Elliott, from MIDiA Research, stated in an interview that while Sony is emerging as the winner of this console generation, Microsoft could significantly benefit from the launch of GTA 6 in terms of hardware sales, particularly with the more affordable Series S console.

“Like other iconic Rockstar titles, GTA 6 will arrive on PlayStation and Xbox before making its way to PC. Therefore, it might be worth it for Xbox to get a significant boost from the Series S and a promotion tied to GTA 6 — as a final hurrah for this generation,” Elliott told Windows Central. “The marketing team should be beating the drum, emphasizing that ‘The Series S is the most affordable way to play GTA 6.’ A Series S priced below $200 could be an attractive entry point for GTA for consumers who don’t want to spend much, of which there are many, thanks to today’s turbulent economy and the cost-of-living crisis.”

The Series S is underpowered compared to the Series X and PS5, of course, but Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick isn’t concerned about that. “Look, we support the platforms where consumers are as long as they’re there, and we find a way to support the platforms despite the different levels of technology. Our brands are really good at that. I’m not really worried,” Zelnick said, regarding the game quality on the Series S.

Console sales in the U.S. are declining, and other experts have predicted that the release of GTA 6 — combined with the debut of the Switch 2 — could help boost the overall gaming market in 2025.

GTA 6 is set to be released later this year for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, though it could be delayed. Rockstar Games released the game’s only trailer in December 2023, and since then, the company has not said a single word about the game.