Nov 14, 2026
The price tag on Grand Theft Auto VI, commonly known as GTA VI, reads $109.99. For a lot of Canadians, that will be the smallest number on the receipt.
The most anticipated video game in years lands Nov. 19, and it only runs on current-generation consoles, i.e. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. If you opted out of purchasing the latest console, but want to play GTA VI, you’ll need to buy hardware that got noticeably pricier in 2026. Then there’s the subscriptions that keep billing until you stop them.
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Just to play GTA V1 goes from a simple purchase to a cost of $760 — or nearly $1,500, depending on what you choose — and that’s before tax. That difference boils down to a handful of decisions that most buyers make in a hurry. That’s the problem.
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How much does GTA VI cost in Canada?
The game itself comes in two versions. Microsoft’s Canadian store lists the standard edition at $109.99 and the Ultimate Edition at $139.99, well above the $89.99 that’s been typical for a flagship release, as reported by CBC News when pre-orders opened in June.
There’s also no physical disc this time. Even boxed copies contain only a download code — effectively making the game a digital purchase wherever you buy it.
But to play the game, you need the hardware — and cost for consoles skyrocketed this year.
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Why do consoles cost so much more this year?
Sony, the maker of PlayStation, raised prices across its lineup on April 2. A disc-drive PS5 now lists for $819.99, the Digital Edition for $749.99 and the PS5 Pro for $1,099.99. Sony called the price hike a “necessary step” to keep delivering high-quality games.
Xbox buyers haven’t been spared, either. Microsoft’s standard Xbox Series X now sells for $999.99 in Canada, up from $599.99 at its 2020 launch. Microsoft blamed memory and storage costs, which it says have risen more than 2.5x. The cheapest current Xbox on the market, the 512GB Series S, lists for $649.99 — but it trades graphics performance to come in at this lower price.
What do subscriptions add to the bill?
PlayStation Plus Essential, Sony’s tier for most online play, costs $109.99 a year or $14.99 month to month. Before a price increase in 2023, the same annual plan was $69.99. Xbox’s equivalent, Game Pass Essential, runs $13.99 a month.
The good news is that you don’t need a subscription to play GTA VI.
Xbox’s store listing describes GTA VI as a single-player experience, which means you don’t need either subscription to play the story at launch.
The upsell is what busts the budget
The trap is GTA+, the membership program from Rockstar Games, the studio behind the series.
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GTA+ is a paid monthly subscription service for fans of GTA games that allow players to explore fictional cities, drive vehicles, complete missions and participate in activities that often involve crime, violence and other mature themes.
While the subscription is designed primarily for people who play GTA Online, it’s also the only way to play the multiplayer version of the game, where players interact with others over the internet. Plus, signing up for the GTA+ membership before Nov. 19 provides members with extra benefits, such as virtual money to spend within the game, access to special vehicles, exclusive rewards and additional gameplay features.
But GTA+ means adding a recurring monthly fee. Pre-orders made by Nov. 19 include one free month, and after that, the PlayStation Store lists GTA+ at $10.99 a month, billed until you cancel. Over a year, that’s $131.88.
What’s the cheapest way to play, and the priciest?
With all these options, it means that two Canadians gamers can buy the exact same game and end up with very different bills (before tax).
To illustrate, let’s assume one player pairs an Xbox Series S with the standard edition; they’ll pay $759.98. Opt for a PS5 Digital Edition with the standard edition and you’ll pay $859.98.
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But what about going all in? Grab a PS5 Pro, the Ultimate Edition, a year of PlayStation Plus Essential and a year of GTA+ and the total cost climbs to $1,481.85.
Sales tax adds even more. Depending on your province, expect another 5% to 15% to your final bill to play GTA VI.
This is the game, so what should you do?
With the festive season right around the corner, kids, teens and young adults are making their wish lists and for many, GTA VI is on the list. If this is the situation you’re in, here’s how to make the best budgeting decisions:
Don’t have a console?
If you don’t have a console already, then you’ll need to factor in this cost — and it’s expensive. There is one factor that’s worth noting: Buy the digital-edition version of the console. Since GTA VI has no disc, and the digital models cost $50 (Xbox Series X) to $70 (PS5) less, it makes sense to save a bit of coin by doing digital straight away.
Select standard edition, first
Once you’ve got the console, you’ll need to decide which edition of GTA VI to buy. For most players, the standard edition is a good place to start. Xbox offers a $30 upgrade to the Ultimate edition, bringing the total cost to roughly the same amount as buying the Ultimate edition upfront. That means you can start with the cheaper version and decide later whether the extra features are worth paying for, without spending more overall.
If you pay for the monthly subscription, pay attention to deadlines
If your purchase includes a free month of GTA+, keep an eye on when that trial expires. GTA+ is a subscription service that gives players access to extra in-game rewards, virtual currency and other benefits. Once the free trial ends, the subscription automatically renews at the regular monthly price unless you cancel.
To avoid an unexpected charge, set a calendar reminder a few days before the trial expires. This gives you time to decide whether the extra features are worth the ongoing cost. If you’re not using the benefits, cancel before the renewal date. You can always subscribe again later if you change your mind.
Don’t pay for online gaming subscriptions until you need them
PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass are subscription services that give players access to online multiplayer gaming, allowing them to play with friends or other people over the internet. Depending on the plan, subscribers may also receive access to a library of games, discounts and other perks.
If you’re buying a console primarily to play GTA VI’s single-player story mode, you don’t need to rush into either subscription. Wait until you’re ready to play online before adding another monthly expense. Keep in mind that GTA VI’s online features and subscription requirements have yet to be confirmed.
If you already pay for online gaming, consider switching to an annual plan to save money. For example, 12 monthly payments for PlayStation Plus Essential add up to $179.88, compared with $109.99 for an annual subscription. That’s a savings of $69.89 per year simply by paying upfront.
Just make sure you’ll use the service for the full year before committing. An annual subscription may cost less overall, but it’s not a bargain if you stop playing after a few months.
The finale
Ultimately, the best way to save money on GTA VI isn’t necessarily to wait for a cheaper console — it’s to avoid spending more than you can afford. While holding out for a price drop might seem sensible, there’s no guarantee one is coming. Microsoft has warned that memory costs could double again by fall 2027, potentially putting further pressure on console prices. Rather than counting on future discounts, set a budget for the console, game and any subscriptions you actually need. Most importantly, avoid carrying the purchase on a credit card balance. With interest charges adding up each month, even a great deal can quickly become an expensive mistake.
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Leslie Kennedy served as an editor at Thomson Reuters and for Star Media Group, followed by a number of years as a writer and editor and content manager in marketing communications, before returning to her editorial roots. She is a graduate of Humber College’s post-graduate journalism program and has been a professional writer and editor ever since.
