Reports circulating online suggesting Grand Theft Auto VI will feature a 60 frames per second performance mode appear to be unfounded, according to analysis from technical experts at Digital Foundry. These claims were reportedly based on emerging retailer listings.
Digital Foundry stated that based on available footage, including recent screenshots and video clips, there is no indication that a 60fps mode is feasible on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles. Will Judd of Digital Foundry commented that the level of detail visible in the game's presentation makes it "extremely challenging to scale down in a way that allows for a 60fps mode."
This assessment is attributed to the significant CPU demands expected from a simulation-heavy open world like Grand Theft Auto VI, which experts believe will exceed the capabilities of the current console hardware. The complexity is described as being "another level of magnitude more challenging than the likes of Dragon's Dogma 2 or Baldur's Gate 3," further complicated by the high speeds at which players will traverse the game world. Digital Foundry anticipates a 30fps target for GTA 6 on consoles, with 60fps considered "a bridge too far."
Even the enhanced PlayStation 5 Pro is unlikely to achieve 60fps, according to Digital Foundry. The console's CPU performance boost over the base PS5 is described as "fractional," with its primary enhancements focused on ray tracing and upscaling technology rather than significantly higher frame rates. A 40fps mode might be a possibility on the PS5 Pro, but this remains unconfirmed.
Rockstar Games' historical release patterns also suggest a focus away from 60fps performance on consoles. Titles such as Grand Theft Auto IV, Grand Theft Auto V, and Red Dead Redemption 2 all launched with fidelity-focused 30fps modes, indicating a developer tendency not to build games around delivering 60fps experiences.
The potential for a 60fps mode is not the only unconfirmed rumor surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI. Previous viral social media posts claiming a physical disc version was in development were also debunked. Analysts have suggested that Rockstar's decision to potentially forgo a disc version may be commercially motivated, though this could risk alienating some players. Some retailers have reportedly refused to sell the game due to the absence of a physical disc.
Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19, 2026.