Take-Two CEO Confident GTA 6 Will Overcome Rising Console Costs

The cost of console gaming has risen sharply recently. Sony increased the PS5's price in April, making a new PS5 start at $600 and a PS5 Pro at $900. It also raised PlayStation Plus subscription fees. Microsoft hiked Xbox Series X and S prices while cutting Game Pass costs. GTA 6, the most anticipated game ever, is expected to break sales records but will launch only on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with no PC version at release. This means players need a modern console to play it this November. However, with high console prices in 2026, could this limit GTA 6's success? I asked Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar parent Take-Two, who dismissed the concern, citing a 'if you build it, they will come' attitude even in tough economic times. Zelnick noted that game prices have declined in real dollars over 30 years and stressed delivering exceptional value. He acknowledged economic challenges but believes consumers will pay for quality entertainment. Take-Two's financial projections assume continued console install base growth, yet recent sales are down: Sony sold 1.5 million PS5s last quarter (down 46% year-over-year), and Microsoft reported a 33% drop in Xbox hardware revenue. The PS5 install base is over 93 million, while Xbox lags behind. Zelnick is confident the install base will grow before GTA 6's launch, driven by holiday sales and the game itself. GTA 6 releases on November 19, 2026, just before Black Friday on November 27. Discounts and stock availability remain uncertain. Zelnick's comments on value suggest GTA 6 may cost more than $70, with analysts predicting $80 or higher. More from our interview includes confirmation of the release date, delay fears, and marketing plans expected this summer.