Hype for GTA 6 is giving PS5 and Xbox console sales a much needed 30% boost
The recent Grand Theft Auto 6 Extended Look preview on Netflix has delivered a significant boost to console sales in the UK. The extended reveal generated massive viewership across streaming platforms, attracting approximately 4 million concurrent viewers on livestreaming services, 31 million views on Netflix, and a further 22 million on YouTube, highlighting the enormous anticipation for the game.
Following this media blitz, both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles experienced substantial sales increases. According to Nielsen IQ data via The Game Business, PS5 sales rose by 33%, while Xbox Series X|S sales climbed 34% in the UK during the week following the reveal. The PS5 Pro has proven particularly popular, with units selling out nationwide, leaving many retailers including Argos and Smyths Toys stocked only with base models.
Notably, Xbox achieved this sales spike despite having recently increased console prices due to an ongoing component crisis, suggesting that anticipation for GTA 6 has proven strong enough to overcome pricing concerns. Industry analysts express cautious optimism about the impact, with Newzoo’s Ronan Patrick noting that while an uptick in console install base is expected as GTA 6 approaches its November 2026 launch, analysts don’t anticipate particularly massive growth.
The timing coincides with other major game releases on the horizon, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 in October, suggesting that the latter half of 2026 could prove particularly strong for both console manufacturers and the gaming industry overall.