The launch of *Grand Theft Auto VI* could be one of the most significant sales events on the console market in 2026. The game is set to be released on 19 November for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. A PC version has not been announced as of the launch date. Analysts expect that the majority of new customers will opt for the Sony platform, which is currently seen as the stronger player in the high-end console segment.
The scale of interest is hard to overstate. ‘GTA V’ has sold nearly 230 million copies since its release in 2013. The new instalment may therefore encourage some gamers to purchase the latest console. For Sony, this represents an opportunity to stem the decline in PS5 sales and boost revenue from games, digital services and subscriptions.
However, costs remain a problem. The growing demand for memory from data centres and the artificial intelligence sector is limiting the supply of components for consumer electronics. TrendForce forecasts that contract DRAM prices will rise by 13–18 per cent quarter-on-quarter in the third quarter of 2026.
Sony has secured memory supplies for the current financial year, but expects prices to remain high in the next one as well. As a result, the company may have to sell consoles at a lower margin, scale back future production, or raise prices again.
‘GTA VI’ is likely to boost the performance of the entire PlayStation ecosystem, but it will not alleviate cost pressures. Digital sales may be the biggest beneficiary, whilst hardware will remain the riskier part of Sony’s business.
