After more than 13 years, or 4,811 days of waiting, Rockstar is finally releasing GTA 6. Following tradition with other recent Rockstar releases, GTA 6 will be console-exclusive at launch, with a PC port expected in 2027.
For those who want a taste of what Rockstar has been cooking for nearly a decade, a console is the only way in. GTA 6 is the biggest release in a decade, to the point that buying a console specifically for the game is a real consideration, but current prices will make anyone think twice before dropping that kind of money.
Fortunately, there’s a cheaper way to play GTA 6: buy a used PS5. However, buying a used console carries risks, so you’ll need to be very careful.
How much does a new PS5 cost now?
Two price hikes have pushed the digital model up 50%
The PS5 originally launched with an MSRP of $500 for the disc version and $400 for the digital variant. Unfortunately, the memory shortage hasn’t been kind to console users, and since launch, the console has had two official price hikes in the US, both in the latter half of its lifecycle, when a console’s price usually drops.
|
Date |
PS5 Disc Edition |
PS5 Digital Edition |
PS5 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Launch 2020/2024 |
$499.99 |
$399.99 |
$699.99 |
|
August 2025 (First Price Hike) |
$549.99 |
$499.99 |
$749.99 |
|
April 2026 (Second Price Hike) |
$649.99 |
$599.99 |
$899.99 |
|
Total Increase |
+$150 (+30%) |
+$200 (+50%) |
+$200 (+28.6%) |
PS5 Digital Edition saw the biggest price increase of the bunch, now 50% more expensive than at launch, and, unfortunately, it’s the most sought-after model.
How much you can save with a used PS5
Used listings start around $350, roughly 42% below a new digital model
With such absurd prices and GTA 6 less than a month from release, getting a used PS5 seems like a feasible option. On eBay, used PS5 listings run about $350 for models in decent condition, which seems pretty viable — almost 50% less than the current MSRP.
Refurbished options cost a bit more, starting at $460 on the platform.
Pricing may vary across platforms like Facebook Marketplace, trade-in stores, and others. However, the savings are real, and as the holiday season approaches, many people will want a PS5 solely to play GTA 6 because no PS5 first-party games are releasing soon anyway.
What to check before buying a used PS5
Test the console in person before paying
Used PS5 pricing looks alluring, but consider a few things before buying a second-hand console, especially as second-hand sellers know that the GTA 6 demand is looming large. Private sales don’t guarantee a refund or exchange, so it’s important to test out the console in person, and there’s a list of checks you should perform before buying a used PS5:
- For the physical models, test a disc to see if it reads and runs well.
- Run a demanding title and check for rattling fan noises or overheating — loud fan speeds are passable.
- Check the console’s physical condition for cracks, liquid damage, or anything that suggests it has gone through a repair. Skip models with a tampered seal entirely.
- Ask the owner about the warranty and repair history of the console.
- Check for a console ban by signing in with a PlayStation account to see if the console can reach PSN.
- Also test the DualSense controller, preferably in a shooter game, to check for stick drift and make sure all the buttons work.
- Don’t forget to check all the console’s ports and wireless connections, such as USB connectors and Wi-Fi, to make sure they work properly.
When buying, ask the seller to remove their account from the PS5 and perform a factory reset so you can take a fresh console home. For extra safety, you can buy a refurbished model from a verified seller, but I don’t recommend it, since it doesn’t save as much money as a used PS5 normally would.
For reference, TechPowerUp reported that GameStop was selling a used PS5 Pro for $1,400 a few weeks earlier, 1.55X more than its MSRP. Scammers, scalpers, and worse are waiting for your cash; don’t become a statistic.
Is a used PS5 worth it for GTA 6?
A used console plus the game still costs less than a new PS5
A good PS5 will run about $350–400 max, and maybe a few bucks more for the disc version. The disc version would be a pointless buy anyway, since GTA 6 is digital only and is 210GB, which would fit in every configuration, though you might need to kick out other games to make room.
In terms of cost savings, even after buying GTA 6 Ultimate Edition for $100, the total cost is less than a new Digital PS5.
Anyhow, PS5 is already in the final stages of its lifecycle, and the next-generation PS6 is rumored to be released next year, so buying a PS5 at its current retail price doesn’t make sense.
Even if you’re skeptical about spending that much on a used PS5, you can always recoup most of the money spent on the console when reselling it.
Play GTA 6 without overpaying
Buying a used PS5 is a smart, safe choice, as long as you know how to test the console. Still, never buy a used PS5 without seeing it in person and being satisfied with its condition first.
However, if you own a PC, you’d need to wait at least a year before the games come to that platform, again, based on past Rockstar PC releases.