Why Xbox Price Hikes Sent Influencers Scrambling for PS5 Pros Ahead of GTA 6

You know we're living in strange times when Xbox influencers start rushing to buy Sony's PlayStation 5 Pro. This surprising move has been triggered by Microsoft's recent price increases for Xbox consoles in preparation for the release of Grand Theft Auto VI.

Microsoft recently implemented price hikes across its Xbox hardware lineup. The Xbox Series S now costs $379.99 in the US, an $80 jump from its original $299.99 price tag. Meanwhile, the more powerful Xbox Series X will now set gamers back $599.99, a $100 increase from its previous $499.99 retail price.

Microsoft cited "market conditions and the rising cost of development" as reasons for the price adjustments, acknowledging in an Xbox support update that "these changes are challenging" for consumers.

The price hikes have prompted several Xbox personalities to publicly announce their PS5 Pro purchases. Xbox influencer Ryan McCaffrey tweeted, "Microsoft's price hike inspired me to buy a console today!" He clarified that he had already planned the purchase to secure "the best day-one GTA 6 experience," adding that he expects Sony to raise the PS5 Pro's price to around $800 soon.

Fellow Xbox influencer Destin echoed this sentiment, tweeting, "Honestly, if price hikes are coming to the PS5 Pro I may join Ryan and also buy it now ahead of the GTA 6 launch."

Gaming analysts Genki and Zhuge, while not Xbox-specific influencers, have also encouraged gamers to purchase Sony's console before potential price increases, with Genki advising, "Smart move is to get a PS5 Pro now (if you were looking to get one) before GTA6 launches and before the price goes up."

What no one expected, though, was that Rockstar Games would announce today that GTA 6 was being delayed until May 26, next year.

"We are very sorry that this is later than you expected," Rockstar stated in an official announcement. "The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game."

Unsurprisingly absent from the announcement was any mention of a PC version, which means PC gamers will likely face an even longer wait beyond the new console release date.

Historically, Rockstar's titles have pushed hardware capabilities to their limits, often at the expense of performance. With Microsoft apparently foregoing a mid-generation refresh for Xbox, the PS5 Pro could offer the optimal experience for GTA 6.

Most industry observers expect the PS5 Pro to deliver superior graphical performance for GTA 6, potentially offering enhanced frame rates using variable refresh rate technology that would provide a smoother experience than standard 30 FPS gameplay.

Despite its $700 price point placing it in a niche market, the PS5 Pro will attract dedicated gamers seeking the best possible experience for GTA 6 and other upcoming similar titles. In fact, Sony may capitalize on this demand with a dedicated GTA 6 PS5 Pro bundle when the game finally launches next year.