Rockstar Games has finally announced a welcome surprise for Grand Theft Auto V fans. Starting June 18, owners of the PS4 version or the digital Xbox One edition of GTA V can upgrade to the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S version for free. The current-gen version, released in March 2022 and initially available as a paid upgrade, features visual enhancements and performance boosts, such as faster switching between the three protagonists. You can transfer your save data and GTA Online progress when upgrading.
Upgrade Details
PC players can also score a free upgrade from the older version to the Enhanced Edition, which arrived last year. Rockstar says that, along with the same upgrades as the current-gen console versions, the Enhanced Edition includes PC-exclusive features like ray-traced ambient occlusion and global illumination. This move is certainly welcome, especially now that many more players own a PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or a better PC than four years ago.
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Implications for GTA Online
However, this feels like a precursor to Rockstar eventually shutting down GTA Online on PS4 and Xbox One, as it did on PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2021. Anyone who doesn't upgrade risks losing access to the multiplayer. Just as the AI of Siri in iOS 27 is learning to remind users to take breaks, Rockstar is showing consideration for players with this move, but also a clear strategy to migrate to newer platforms.
Waiting for GTA VI
Fans are eagerly awaiting news on Grand Theft Auto VI. Rockstar appears to be sticking to the November 19 release date after several delays. Parent company Take-Two claimed the GTA VI marketing machine will ramp up this summer, so the highly anticipated third trailer, the first in over a year, seems imminent. For more on the series history, check the Wikipedia page for Grand Theft Auto V.
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This offer represents a great opportunity for those who haven't made the generational jump yet, but also a clear signal that Rockstar is betting on the future. If you haven't upgraded yet, now is the right time.
