The Xbox Series S has an advantage over other consoles, which might cause the release of GTA 6 to boost the console sales.
An analyst thinks that GTA 6 might raise the sales of Microsoft's weakest console so far – here's why:
Xbox Series S – What It’s About
The Xbox Series S was released in 2020, alongside the higher-end Xbox Series X that has a faster GPU. The two make up the fourth generation of consoles in the Xbox series. However, in comparison to the PlayStation 5 that was released the same month, the sales fell short, which is why during the hearing of Activision Blizzard Acquisition in June 2023, Microsoft said that they "lost the console wars".
In their surrender, they've also announced that former Xbox-exclusive titles will be brought to PlayStation as well. However, there might still be one saving grace for the console: The release of GTA 6.
Saved By GTA 6?
In an interview with Games Central, Rhys Elliott, games analyst at MIDiA, stated that the release of GTA 6 could boost Xbox sales again due to the low price of the Series S:
The Series X|S and PS5 generation has been won, but Xbox could use the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 as a last hurrah for its Series X|S generation, thanks to the low price of the Series S.
Like Rockstar’s other flagship titles, GTA 6 will hit PlayStation and Xbox before it hits PC. Therefore, it could pay off for Xbox to have a significant Series S push and fire sale to tie in with GTA 6 - as one last hurrah for this generation.
The marketing team should be banging the drum, highlighting that 'the Series S is the most accessible way to play GTA 6. A sub-$200 Series S could be an enticing entry point to GTA for cash-strapped consumers, of which there are many, thanks to today’s tumultuous economy and cost-of-living crisis. - Rhys Elliott
However, the analyst also sees an issue that might stand in the way of a last hit by Microsoft:
The sad-dad blue elephant in the room here is the likelihood that PlayStation – not Microsoft – will secure the marketing rights to GTA 6. Hogwarts Legacy got plenty of non-console owners to buy consoles, and most landed on the PS5, owing to PlayStation securing the marketing rights.
It is worth noting that PlayStation would very much want the same thing to happen with GTA 6. Take Two also of course wants to sell the most copies it can and would do so via PS5’s higher installed base. That’s why I reckon PlayStation will get the rights. - Rhys Elliott
So technically, the Xbox Series S might offer new players the best deal regarding the price balance between a new console and GTA 6 but it all depends on the deals for the marketing rights – which is where the PS5 has an advantage.
Do you think that GTA 6 could still save Microsoft's consoles? What device will you play GTA 6 on? Let us know in the comments!