Retailer warns of PS5 and Xbox shortages for GTA 6 — don't buy new now

With Xbox's latest price hike landing alongside GTA 6 pre-orders, console buyers face a squeeze. Component costs have been rising in 2026, prompting Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo to increase or plan price rises, leaving GTA players paying a minimum of $499.99 (Xbox Series S) to play.

An unnamed retailer says it won’t be getting the units it wants ahead of GTA and expects demand to outstrip supply during the year-end period. RAM shortages and rising SSD prices have pushed consumer-facing MSRPs up, so consoles that would normally be discounted at this point are more expensive than ever, and additional GTA demand could make shelves thin in November.

If you’ve been waiting to upgrade until GTA 6, consider buying before the November rush but avoid paying full price for a brand-new unit. PS Direct offers certified refurbished PS5 consoles that hold previous MSRPs (occasionally OG stock appears for $399.99), and these come with everything needed to start, a 12-month warranty and free delivery.

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