Ever since Grand Theft Auto 6 was announced, fans have been asking one big question: Will GTA 6 run on PS4? With millions of players still using Sony’s last-gen console, it’s understandable why some are holding onto hope. Could Rockstar Games surprise us and bring GTA 6 to PS4, or is it just a dream?
Let’s break it down and see if there’s even a slight chance that GTA 6 will make its way to the PlayStation 4. Spoiler alert: The answer isn’t what you might want to hear.
Why GTA 6 on PS4 Seems Possible
On the surface, some fans believe there’s a case for a PS4 version of GTA 6:
GTA 5 Launched on Older Consoles: The last GTA title originally dropped on PS3 and Xbox 360 before making its way to PS4, PS5, and PC. Could Rockstar pull off the same strategy again?
Huge PS4 Player Base: With over 117 million PS4 consoles sold worldwide, Rockstar would be leaving a massive audience behind if they skip the system entirely.
Cloud Gaming Advancements: Some have speculated that Rockstar could use cloud-based gaming solutions to bring GTA 6 to PS4 without major performance issues.
But while these points might sound convincing, the reality is much harsher.
The Harsh Truth: GTA 6 on PS4 Won’t Happen
Now, let’s get real. As much as PS4 owners might hope for a miracle, GTA 6 simply won’t run on Sony’s aging hardware. Here’s why:
1. GTA 6’s Graphics Are Too Advanced
From what we’ve seen in the first GTA 6 trailer, Rockstar is pushing graphics to an entirely new level. The level of detail, lighting, and world complexity is beyond anything the PS4 can handle.
The PS4, released in 2013, is over a decade old. It already struggles to run modern open-world games smoothly. If GTA 6 is designed for high-end hardware like the PS5, Xbox Series X, and powerful PCs, there’s simply no way the PS4 can keep up.
2. Open-World Size and Complexity
Leaks and rumors suggest that GTA 6’s map will be the biggest Rockstar has ever created. More NPCs, detailed environments, massive landscapes, and seamless gameplay all demand more power than the PS4 can provide.
Remember how Cyberpunk 2077 barely ran on last-gen consoles at launch? Now imagine that—but worse. Rockstar won’t risk tarnishing GTA 6’s reputation with a poorly optimized version.
3. Memory & Performance Limits
The PS4 has only 8GB of RAM, compared to 16GB on the PS5 and Xbox Series X. That’s a massive difference, especially for an open-world game that needs to keep track of vehicles, AI behavior, weather, and more in real-time.
Even if Rockstar somehow downgraded the graphics, the PS4’s hardware limitations would still make the game nearly unplayable.
4. Rockstar Has Already Confirmed It’s Not Happening
The biggest nail in the coffin? Rockstar has officially stated that GTA 6 will only launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
There’s no mention of a PS4 version, and given how demanding the game will be, that’s not going to change.
Would a Cloud Version Work?
Some gamers have speculated that cloud gaming could be a way to bring GTA 6 to PS4. Services like PS5 Remote Play and Xbox Cloud Gaming allow older consoles to stream next-gen games.
While this technically could work, Rockstar has never supported cloud gaming for their main releases. There’s also the issue of lag, internet speed requirements, and overall performance inconsistencies that could make the experience frustrating.
Could a streaming version happen years down the line? Maybe. But at launch? Absolutely not.
Final Verdict: GTA 6 on PS4 Is a No-Go
As much as PS4 players would love to play GTA 6, the reality is that the console just isn’t powerful enough to handle it.
Rockstar is moving forward with next-gen technology, and the PS4 simply can’t keep up. If you’re serious about playing GTA 6, the best move is to start considering an upgrade to a PS5, Xbox Series X, or a capable gaming PC.
Will Rockstar ever revisit the idea of a downgraded version for PS4? Highly unlikely. The focus is on the future, and unfortunately, that means leaving last-gen consoles behind.
So if you were hoping to play GTA 6 on PS4, it’s time to accept the truth—it’s just not happening.
