Sony’s PS5 Sales Surge 22% in US Ahead of GTA 6 Release

Alexandra Aiyudu

Sony’s PS5 Sales Surge 22% in US Ahead of GTA 6 Release

October 22, 2026

Sony’s PlayStation 5 (PS5) sales in the United States jumped 22 per cent in September as gamers prepared for the release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), according to market research firm Circana.

The console maker also recorded a 43 per cent increase in hardware revenue. The growth made Sony the highest earner among console makers during the month.

GTA 6 anticipation boosts PS5 demand

Sony’s price increases over the past year helped drive revenue higher. Growing demand for the upgraded PS5 Pro also contributed to the rise.

Priced at $900, the PS5 Pro has sold out or become difficult to find at several online retailers. These include Amazon, Best Buy, MediaMarkt and Yodobashi Camera.

Rockstar Games plans to release GTA 6 on November 19. The highly anticipated title is expected to sell millions of copies and set new records for the gaming industry.

The game will initially launch on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. A PC version is expected to follow later.

Sony could benefit from the launch because of its larger console ecosystem. The PS5 Pro’s enhanced graphics also make it an attractive option for players seeking a premium gaming experience.

Netflix and Twitch add to GTA 6 hype

A Netflix mini-movie linked to the game topped the streaming platform’s viewing charts in September. The release further fuelled interest in the franchise.

Dan Clancy, Twitch’s chief executive, has also cautioned game studios about the attention GTA 6 could command during the holiday season.

For Sony, the excitement offers a timely boost. The PS5 is approaching its sixth anniversary, bringing the ageing console closer to the eventual arrival of a successor.

However, rising memory prices remain a challenge for console makers. Higher production costs have put pressure on profit margins across the industry.