Rockstar fans hoping to play GTA 6 on a budget got some unwelcome news the same day pre-orders opened. Microsoft has confirmed that Xbox Series X|S consoles are getting price increases due to an ongoing hardware component crisis, with the changes taking effect August 1, 2026.
That means the most affordable way into GTA 6 — the Xbox Series S — is about to cost noticeably more right as the game's release window approaches.
The New Pricing
Here's how the increases break down across the Xbox lineup:
Xbox Series S 512GB: $399 → $499
Xbox Series S 1TB: $449 → $549
Xbox Series X 1TB: $649 → $799
Xbox Series X 1TB Digital: $599 → $749
Microsoft is also discontinuing its 2TB Xbox Series X model entirely.
To put the Series S hike in perspective, the console launched at $299. With this latest jump, it's now $200 more expensive than it was at launch — all while remaining the weakest hardware in the current console generation by a wide margin. GTA 6 will run on it, but expect compromises: most games on the Series S top out around 1080p, often relying on upscaling and inconsistent frame rates to get there.
Why Now? Blame the AI Boom
The timing isn't a coincidence tied to GTA 6 — it's part of a broader squeeze on computer hardware. The price hikes stem from a RAM shortage driven largely by AI companies, including OpenAI and Microsoft itself, buying up huge portions of the global memory supply to power AI infrastructure. That demand is pushing component costs up across the board, and console makers are passing the increase on to consumers.
Should You Buy Now?
If you're still gaming on a PS4 or Xbox One and were planning to upgrade for GTA 6, there's a real case for buying sooner rather than later. With component costs already climbing and more AI-driven demand on the horizon, prices for current-gen consoles may only get worse from here. Picking up a PS5 or Xbox Series console before the August 1 price change could save you a meaningful chunk of money.
The Bigger Picture for GTA 6
This console price jump lands amid a flurry of GTA 6 news. Rockstar has now confirmed pricing and detailed what's included in the game's various editions, while Sony has leaned into a marketing push positioning the PS5 as the platform where GTA 6 "plays best" — a notable jab at Xbox timed right as Microsoft's hardware just became less appealing on price alone.
For Xbox-only players watching their budget, the message is clear: the cheapest road into Los Santos is no longer quite so cheap.
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