Leak hints at rushed GTA 6 PC release date because of high PS5 console prices

Desktop and laptop users have prepared for an agonizing wait before Rockstar’s crime epic launches. However, while the studio has only announced Xbox and PS5 pre-orders, there is hope that the GTA 6 PC release date is being prioritized. Andy Robinson of Video Games Chronicle leaked:

There's a bit of noise about that. Um, that perhaps the PC version might arrive sooner than some people might expect.

Robinson appeared on a podcast that discussed rising console costs and potential shortages. The Xbox and PS5 have suffered multiple price increases, making the title an expensive proposition for some buyers. There is also concern that, with limited storage and memory supplies, Microsoft and Sony will struggle to meet holiday demand.

When considering past Rockstar projects, GTA 5 surfaced on Windows 19 months after its console counterparts. With Red Dead Redemption 2, the studio accommodated this audience within a year. A similar timeline would put the GTA 6 PC port's release date between late 2027 and 2028.

Looking beyond 2026

Amid the component shortage, PlayStation has resolved to capitalize on its large install base. PS5 sales have already begun to slow for the increasingly pricey hardware. Xbox is reportedly even less prepared to manufacture the Series X and S at high volumes. Although GTA 6 pre-orders have sparked a surge, declining adoption threatens the game over the longer term.

A GTA 6 PC port could help offset part of those losses. While the cost of assembling builds has skyrocketed, a massive market, particularly on Steam, already exists. On the other hand, it’s unclear how many of those rigs can render Leonida’s demanding visuals acceptably. Developers will have to optimize the graphics for an endless number of configurations, if not the Switch 2 at some point as well.

Even if Rockstar wanted to speed up the process, a former producer leaked how limited resources may interfere. Despite generous funding, John Ricchio explained how the company concentrates all its efforts on console versions first.