Insane console prices are crushing gamers — just weeks before Grand Theft Auto VI arrives

Thirteen years have passed since the last Grand Theft Auto launched to critical acclaim. Now, at long last, GTA VI is almost here, but thanks to the AI boom, prices on current consoles are skyrocketing, and next-gen hardware is expected to be even worse. Here’s why you might have to pay more to play this November.

If you already own a compatible game console, you’re among the lucky ones who aren’t affected by the ever-increasing gadget prices that hit gamers particularly hard starting early this year. If you don’t have a console though, or if you own the wrong game console, it’s going to cost you a pretty penny for the privilege to play GTA VI on launch day.

Most of these consoles are six years old,