According to Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) has the potential to boost console sales, which have been on a downward trajectory for years. Zelnick explained, “When you have a big title in the market, and we have many of them coming, historically, that has sold consoles.” He also acknowledged the challenges posed by tariffs but expressed optimism about a meaningful uptick in console sales, driven by release schedules from multiple publishers, not just Take-Two. If you're looking to buy a cheap and fully upgraded modded gta 5 account, U4gm is one of the most trusted platforms to consider. Use coupon code "allen" to get 5% off at U4gm.

The decline in console sales is striking. Official data from Games Sales Data reveals a 21% year-on-year drop in console sales in Europe, with PlayStation 5 (PS5) sales falling 20%, Nintendo Switch sales down 15%, and Xbox Series X/S sales plummeting by 48%.

Why Aren’t Consoles Selling?

To understand why GTA 6 may boost console sales, it’s important to first look at the factors behind the console sales slump. One key issue is the lack of compelling console exclusives. Many games are now multi-platform, allowing players to enjoy titles on PC, which has become increasingly popular. Even if games don’t launch on PC simultaneously with consoles, there are enough alternatives to keep players content, making them hesitant to buy a new console.

Additionally, the rise of PC gaming offers flexibility and power that consoles simply can’t match. High-end PC rigs are often more powerful than consoles and can be upgraded over time, removing the need for a new console unless a player is desperate for exclusives on launch.

We’re also in the middle of a console generation, which naturally leads to a decline in sales as the initial rush to purchase consoles has subsided. Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S were launched in late 2020, and those who wanted one have likely already made the purchase.

Economic factors also play a role. With rising living costs globally and inflation affecting purchasing power, many people can’t afford consoles and games as easily as they could in the past. In some regions, such as Asia, the cost of consoles can be prohibitively high compared to monthly rent.

Can GTA 6 Overcome the Console Sales Slump?

GTA 6 will not launch on PC at the same time as consoles, which is consistent with Rockstar Games' history of delayed PC releases. GTA 5, for example, took 19 months to arrive on PC, while Red Dead Redemption 2’s PC release came over a year later.

This means that players eager to experience GTA 6 at launch will need a console. The question is whether the anticipation for the game will be enough to make people overlook the other reasons they don’t already own a console.

Moreover, GTA 6 may be priced higher than other games, potentially prompting players to wait for the PC release, even if it takes over a year.

However, GTA 6 is poised to be the cultural gaming event of the decade. Unlike other recent releases like Starfield or Diablo 4, GTA 6 is expected to be the definitive blockbuster of the '20s. Its universal appeal guarantees massive sales, even if the game doesn’t fully meet the high expectations that fans have built up.

That said, while GTA 6 will likely cause a short-term bump in console sales, it’s unlikely to reverse the broader trends impacting the market. Unless a new console generation is introduced, it’s doubtful that anything, even GTA 6, can significantly boost console relevance or long-term sales.