Grand Theft Auto 6 could cost $1,000 to play - Here's why

Grand Theft Auto 6 players could be hit with a $1,000 console price tag, according to a new warning from gaming industry analyst Mat Piscatella.

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As current-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series continue to see price hikes due to rising component costs and economic instability, Piscatella expects sticker shock for those who wait until launch to pick up a system just to play GTA 6.

Piscatella, speaking with The Game Business, said the rising cost of RAM and other volatile market conditions have already driven the price of a standard PS5 to $649 and the PS5 Pro to $900. Piscatella expects these increases won't slow before the release of GTA 6, and warned potential buyers who aren't closely tracking the market could be blindsided by a $1,000 console at launch. "A $1,000 console!" Piscatella said, adding, "There's going to be a price shock for a lot of people."

The pricing concern comes amid speculation over GTA 6's own retail price. While Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has dismissed rumors of a $100 price tag, a Bank of America analyst has suggested the game should retail for $80 to set a new benchmark and avoid undercutting other AAA titles. Whether that holds remains to be seen, but the console cost alone could make the entry barrier higher than expected.

As we approach launch in November, all eyes will be on how Rockstar and Take-Two manage the pricing narrative. For now, players are advised to track console prices closely or risk paying a premium just to play the next-gen open-world hit. Honestly, if the budget is tight and GTA 6 is understandably non-negotiable, monitoring the second-hand market for a PS5 or PS5 Pro isn't a bad option at all.