Major retailers are issuing warnings about potential shortages of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles ahead of the November launch of Grand Theft Auto VI. A buyer for a large retailer, speaking anonymously to The Game Business, indicated that ongoing hardware component availability challenges will likely prevent them from securing adequate stock for the anticipated surge in demand.
"We’ve been informed that because of the ongoing issues around hardware component availability, we won’t be getting the units we want ahead of GTA," the buyer stated. "Demand will likely outstrip supply during the year-end period."
Grand Theft Auto VI is slated for release exclusively on current-generation consoles, meaning players still relying on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One will be unable to play. While it may seem unlikely that many gamers would still be without a PS5 or Xbox Series console, a significant segment of the player base, often referred to as "normie" gamers, tends to stick with a single console and game. For these individuals, who may have retained their older consoles, Grand Theft Auto VI represents the compelling reason to finally upgrade.
These potential new adopters will enter a market where console prices have already seen multiple increases. Both Xbox and PlayStation have raised their prices in recent years, with further hikes occurring or planned. Xbox increased prices last October and is set to do so again in August, while PlayStation raised prices last year and again in April. Manufacturers may implement additional price increases before November, driven by rising production costs and the potential for increased demand.
This combination of limited supply and rising prices could lead to a situation where console manufacturers sell fewer units overall as more consumers are priced out. However, those who remain determined to play Grand Theft Auto VI on current-gen hardware may be willing to pay a premium. The advice from industry observers is to secure a current-generation console now, potentially through refurbished options, to avoid potential scarcity and inflated prices later in the year.