The delay of GTA 6 came as a shock to many, but it ultimately ensures a stronger and more polished release. After all, a great game that arrives later is always better than a broken one released too early. Cyberpunk 2077 serves as a perfect example of why patience pays off.
However, there's one detail many may have overlooked. According to many reports, the next-gen Xbox is rumored to launch next year, and guess what else is arriving in the same window? GTA 6. The simultaneous release of Rockstar's biggest title and Microsoft's new console could prove to be a massive win for both.
Xbox Is Rumored To Launch New Consoles Next Year
There's been no shortage of rumors claiming that the next generation of Xbox will arrive next year. While many insiders have echoed this speculation, Microsoft has yet to make any official confirmation. Personally, I find it highly likely that Xbox will launch its new console in 2026 as a way to gain an early edge over Sony.
There is also a report that suggests both of the consoles will release in 2027, but that won't cause much drama now, would it? If I had to place a bet, I'd wager on the next Xbox debuting in 2026; it simply feels like the more strategic move.
Many assume that Xbox has stepped away from the hardware market, but this is likely far from the truth. In fact, the company has already confirmed that its next console will deliver the most significant generational leap to date. If the rumors hold true, Microsoft may even be preparing to launch two high-end consoles.
Even if only a single high-end console arrives before or alongside the release of GTA 6, its success already feels inevitable.
GTA 6 Most Likely Won't Run At 60 FPS On Existing Consoles
GTA 6 is going to be the biggest launch in the history of gaming, so Rockstar can't mess it up. The game is likely to be fairly optimised, but let's be real, it won't run at 60 FPS on the existing consoles, even the mid-gen refresh, the PS5 Pro.
The pro version of PlayStation 5 is powerful, with strong PSSR technology. However, it still shares the same Zen 2 CPU, which was already not the greatest when the PS5 and Xbox Series S/X launched in 2020.
GTA 6 has already shown never-before-seen NPC density in the first two trailers, and tech experts believe the game will be CPU-bound on all consoles when it arrives next year. As such, those expecting to play GTA 6 at 60 FPS next year may be overly optimistic, even if they own the $700 PS5 Pro.
If the Pro can't manage it, then the base PS5 and Xbox Series S|X certainly won't either. The reality is that GTA 6 will most likely be locked at 30 FPS across all current-gen consoles to ensure a consistent, cinematic experience, unless Microsoft launches an actual next-gen Xbox next year. If that happens, the performance equation could shift dramatically.
New Consoles Would Offer The Best GTA 6 Experience Possible
Since the current consoles won't be able to guarantee 60 FPS, it raises an important point. 60 FPS is widely regarded as the bare minimum standard for gaming these days, and rightfully so. Once you've experienced that level of smoothness, it's nearly impossible to go back to 30 FPS comfortably.
While some players may not mind the lower frame rate, the majority likely agree that 60 FPS should now be the baseline for any modern release. That is precisely what the upcoming Xbox would offer if it is released by next year.
Xbox has already confirmed that the next console will have the most significant technical leap so far, so it would be strong enough to run the upcoming GTA title at 60 FPS with ease and offer impressive image quality.
If the next-gen Xbox launches next year without any direct competitor, many fans will naturally gravitate toward it, choosing the platform that offers the best possible GTA 6 experience.
Xbox Could Finally See Some Push For Its Hardware Thanks To GTA 6
The current-generation Xbox has been struggling to keep up in the hardware race, and that's no secret. Microsoft has even stopped disclosing official sales figures, which in itself says a lot about the console's performance. Its most recent financial report revealed a 25% year-over-year drop in hardware sales in FY 2025, further highlighting the platform's decline.
Industry estimates suggest that the Xbox Series S|X have sold fewer than 30 million units worldwide. Meanwhile, Sony's PlayStation has completely dominated this generation, with the PS5 surpassing 80 million units sold, nearly three times more than Xbox's numbers.
But this balance of power might not be permanent. Some GTA 6 analysts are predicting that Rockstar's upcoming juggernaut could sell 85 million copies within just two months, generating a staggering $7 billion in revenue. That kind of launch has the potential to reshape the market in ways few games ever could.
Now imagine if the next-generation Xbox ends up offering the best possible GTA 6 experience. Players looking for smoother performance, higher frame rates, or enhanced visuals might see it as the definitive place to play. If even 20% of the projected buyers switched over for that reason, it could instantly translate into 17 million additional console sales for Xbox, a massive turnaround almost overnight.
Simply put, GTA 6 could be the catalyst Microsoft desperately needs to revitalise its hardware business, especially if it arrives alongside a powerful new Xbox.
However, that scenario hinges entirely on one crucial factor. Microsoft must release its next console before the biggest game in history hits the shelves. Without that timely launch, the opportunity to capture millions of players could slip away just as quickly as it appears.
Would you switch to the next-generation Xbox if it launches before GTA 6 and delivers the best possible experience? Share your thoughts in the comments section.