Grand Theft Auto VI is set to release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, and according to information from The Game Business, its release could create a new problem for console buyers. A major video game retailer has anonymously warned that demand for consoles at the end of the year could exceed available quantities, primarily due to issues with the availability of hardware components. In other words, those who wait until the last moment could find themselves facing empty shelves.
The reason is very simple: Grand Theft Auto VI is not coming to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, which means that some players will finally have to switch to the current generation because of Rockstar's game. Such a scenario would not be surprising as GTA is traditionally one of the few franchises that can sell consoles on its own. Sony claims that the required quantities for this year are secured, but retailers are clearly not so calm. If GTA VI indeed attracts hesitant buyers, the end of 2026 could once again remind us of a time when buying a console was a test of patience.