Rockstar Games is offering Grand Theft Auto V players a free upgrade to the current-generation console versions starting June 18th. This comes just months ahead of the anticipated launch of GTA VI.
What’s Actually Happening
If you own any copy of GTA V on PlayStation 4 or the digital version on Xbox One, you can get the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S version for free. The upgrade will be available from June 18th and doesn’t require any extra payment. If you’ve already bought the game on last-gen consoles, Rockstar is giving you the upgraded version at no cost.
The current-gen editions of GTA V can run at up to 60 frames per second. That’s a big jump from the 30fps cap on PS4 and Xbox One. You’ll also experience faster load times due to SSD support, along with improved textures and ray tracing on PS5 and Series X. Ray tracing simulates realistic light bouncing off surfaces, enhancing the visual experience.
Why Now?
The timing is hard to miss. GTA VI is expected to release in fall 2025. Getting more players onto current-gen consoles makes good business sense for Rockstar. GTA Online, the multiplayer segment of GTA V, continues to be a significant revenue source for Take-Two Interactive. By upgrading to better hardware, they keep that revenue stream flowing smoothly as they approach the next major launch.
It’s like a coffee shop offering free refills right before introducing a new, pricier drink menu. It keeps customers satisfied and engaged.
| Stat | Figure |
|---|---|
| Copies sold (lifetime) | 200 million+ |
| Years since original release | 12 (launched September 2013) |
| Current-gen relaunch year | 2022 |
| Upgrade cost for eligible players | $0 |
| Target frame rate on PS5/Series X | Up to 60fps |
Who Qualifies and Who Doesn’t
The free upgrade is available to:
- Any physical or digital copy of GTA V on PS4
- The digital version of GTA V on Xbox One
However, Xbox One disc owners are left out on that platform, which has drawn complaints from players online. PC players also don’t qualify for this upgrade since the PC version already runs the most recent iteration of the game.
What This Means for Everyday Players
If you snagged GTA V during one of its many sales on PlayStation Store or Xbox and have been using older hardware, this is a clear win for you. The PS5 and Series X versions load faster, run smoother, and look better—all at no extra cost. For GTA Online players, quicker load times make a significant difference, especially since it often took several minutes to enter a session.
Keep in mind, though, you’ll need a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S to take advantage of the upgrade. If you’re still using last-gen hardware, this announcement doesn’t change anything for you right now.
Community Reaction
“After 12 years and three console generations, the least they could do is not charge us again. Good move but also the bare minimum.”
— u/StreetKingVII, r/GrandTheftAutoV
“This is clearly just to prep the playerbase for GTA Online carry-over before 6 drops. Smart business. Still appreciate the free upgrade though.”
— YouTube comment on Rockstar Games official trailer, username RockfordHillsRacer
What To Watch
- June 18, 2025: Free upgrade goes live for eligible players on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
- Fall 2025: GTA VI is expected to launch, although Rockstar hasn’t confirmed a specific date yet. Keep an eye out for an official announcement in the coming weeks.
- GTA Online continuity: Rockstar hasn’t confirmed whether GTA Online progress will carry over to GTA VI. That news, when it arrives, will matter a lot to dedicated players.
Maya Torres
Maya Torres is the Consumer Tech Editor at Explosion.com with 7 years covering product launches for major technology publications. She has reviewed over 300 devices across smartphones, laptops, wearables, and smart home products. Maya specializes in translating spec sheets into real-world buying advice and attends CES, MWC, and Apple keynotes as press. Her reviews focus on helping readers decide what to buy, not just what specs look good on paper.
