The anticipation for the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) is already boosting PlayStation and Xbox console sales in the United Kingdom. Even though the game is set to release in November, the unveiling of the forthcoming title has driven significant consumer interest in these consoles.
Strong Viewership and Sales Surge
The “GTA 6: An Extended Look” event showcased the new game, attracting almost 4 million viewers on livestreaming platforms. It was also watched by 31 million people on Netflix and an additional 22 million on YouTube. This exposure has translated into a notable increase in console sales. According to market research firm NielsonIQ, UK sales of the PlayStation 5 (PS5) surged by 33%, while the Xbox Series X/S saw a 34% rise in sales during the same period.
Challenges in the Console Market
The recent boost in sales comes as a relief to console manufacturers, who have been grappling with rising costs and supply chain issues. This summer, PS5 sales in the UK experienced a severe decline, and Xbox reported its lowest sales in the UK in 2025. Inflation has significantly affected pricing, with the PS5 becoming 67% more expensive than at its launch when adjusted for inflation, and Xbox consoles seeing a price doubling. Ronan Patrick from Newzoo commented that while an increase in console sales is expected due to GTA 6 and other games like Call of Duty, the impact might not be as profound as in previous cycles due to economic challenges.
Nintendo Switch 2 Also Gains Traction
Interestingly, without an associated GTA release, sales for the Nintendo Switch 2 rose by about a third in the same timeframe. This could be attributed to consumers anticipating a future increase in the console’s price and making purchases ahead of time.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.