PS5 sales, especially the juiced-up PlayStation 5 Pro, have been massively boosted by GTA 6 pre-orders, according to data from idealo. The price comparison service reports a spike in UK sales of 348% for the Pro model, while the cheaper PS5 Slim rose by 38% after Grand Theft Auto VI became available to pre-order. This is despite Sony’s sweeping PS5 price increases earlier this year.

More than two months have passed since GTA 6 pre-orders first opened up in late June, and while we don’t have exact numbers, Rockstar Games and its parent company Take-Two Interactive have already been celebrating an “exceptional start” to sales, especially since nearly 9 out of 10 pre-orders are reportedly for the more expensive $100 Ultimate Edition.

Press release in full

Following Rockstar Games’ recent 26-minute gameplay showcase and new details revealing an expansive 80-hour campaign, demand for high-spec console hardware has exploded, triggering noticeable price hikes across major online retailers.

New consumer data from shopping comparison site idealo reveals a “GTA 6 Effect” sweeping the UK gaming market. Following the opening of game pre-orders, demand on idealo for the flagship PlayStation 5 Pro surged by 348% week-on-week, while demand for the PS5 Slim rose by 38%.

The surge in console interest aligns directly with key game reveal moments. During the week of 24th August, when Rockstar debuted its Extended Look presentation outlining the game’s state-spanning map of Leonida, search volume for GTA 6 jumped 350%, simultaneously sparking a 144% spike in demand for the PS5 Pro as gamers prepare their setups for November 19th.

The Cost of Next-Gen Gaming

With players seeking maximum performance to run the game’s overhauled physics, dynamic weather, and 600,000 unique NPC animations, retailer pricing has surged across the PlayStation 5 range:

• PlayStation 5 Pro: Increased by 21% (£139.01), rising from £649.99 on 3rd June to £789.00 by 3rd September.
• PS5 Slim Digital Edition: Increased by 13% (£56.00), rising from £439.99 on 3rd June to £495.99 by 3rd September.
• PS5 Slim (Standard): Increased by 8% (£40.00), rising from £479.99 on 3rd June to £519.99 by 3rd September.

Retailers reacted almost immediately to the game’s initial pre-order window opening. Between 25th and 27th June alone, the average market price for the PS5 Pro rose from £703.00 to £753.99, while the PS5 Slim Digital saw a jump from £419.95 to £448.00.

“Grand Theft Auto releases are landmark cultural events, but GTA 6 is proving to be a massive catalyst for the hardware market specifically. Details showing the sheer scale of the world, from an expansive 80-hour campaign and a map double the size of Los Santos to over 600,000 unique character animations, have made players realise that high-spec hardware will be key to getting the smoothest, most immersive Vice City experience.”

“As a result, we’re seeing a direct correlation between major game reveals and immediate spikes in PS5 Pro interest. However, high demand has squeezed retailer stock, driving market prices up by over £130 for top-tier consoles. Gamers planning to upgrade before November should monitor price-tracking platforms carefully rather than buying during peak demand periods.”

Katy Phillips, Senior Brand & Communications Manager at idealo

PS5 price changes (June 2026 to Sept 2026)

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.