GTA 6 plays best on PS5, says Rockstar

The console war is about to enter a new phase with PS6 and the next Xbox, but before then Rockstar and Sony appear to be joining forces to pile more pressure on Microsoft, which is already struggling to keep Xbox afloat.

Both PS5 and Nintendo Switch have enjoyed great success, but the same cannot be said for Xbox, which has largely disappeared from store shelves in many countries and become so expensive that it is struggling to remain competitive.

 Also read: Game console prices keep soaring: Xbox gets another price hike

GTA 6 is set to become the biggest game release of this – and the previous – console generation, and Sony PlayStation and Rockstar Games have launched a rather unusual marketing campaign by jointly declaring that GTA 6 "plays best on PS5". It is not an exclusivity deal, but it comes close. So what does Rockstar gain from it, besides perhaps an extra bag of money?

The announcement follows GTA 6 having delivered the kiss of death to physical game discs. Shortly afterwards, PlayStation confirmed that it is ending game releases on discs.


Is it true?
The message appears on Rockstar Games' website, social media channels and, unsurprisingly, across PlayStation's own platforms. PlayStation specifically says:

- "PS5 puts you in the center of the game world with the DualSense wireless controller reacting to your actions and bringing the sights, sounds, and sensations of Jason and Lucia’s story into the palm of your hands. The controller’s haptic feedback offers responsive vibrations, while its adaptive triggers provide dynamic resistance. The controller’s integrated speaker also adds another dimension to key moments and interactions, with sound effects from the controller enhanced by haptic feedback."

- "With Tempest 3D AudioTech, you can surround yourself in the distinct soundscapes of Leonida. From the streets of Vice City to the moments that unfold all across the state, this highly accurate audio positioning enhances your perception, helping to bring this world to life around you in unmatched ways. Grand Theft Auto VI also leverages the PS5’s ultra-high speed SSD, enabling you to experience the expansive world of Leonida with near-instant load times."

Tempest is used for Dolby Atmos audio, which is also supported on Xbox Series X. However, the Xbox controller does not offer the same features as Sony's DualSense.


Limited to 30fps?
PS5 and Xbox Series X are roughly equally powerful, so despite the marketing message, the game's visual presentation is expected to be largely identical on both platforms.

According to Digital Foundry, GTA 6 will likely be limited to 30fps on both consoles rather than 60fps, even on PS5 Pro, with a possible 40fps mode for use with 4K 120Hz compatible TVs with HDMI 2.1. The reason is reportedly the consoles' relatively slow CPU rather than the GPU. However, this has not been confirmed.

GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026.

- Source: PlayStation, Rockstar, X, Digital Foundry