That is prompting some players to rethink their everyday spending
The countdown to Grand Theft Auto VI is entering its final stretch, and gamers are already preparing to make sure their hardware is ready for Rockstar’s long-awaited return to Vice City.
Research from Virgin Media O2 found that for nearly half of players, that preparation could mean buying a newer or more powerful gaming system.
Gamers are expected to spend an average of £195 upgrading their set-up before launch.
But with 44% admitting they cannot currently afford the upgrade they want, getting ready for GTA VI could come with some difficult spending decisions.
Some gamers are even considering giving up takeaways, nights out and cheaper Christmas presents to find the extra cash.
However, there may be a surprisingly valuable source of money already sitting at home, with unused consoles potentially worth hundreds of pounds.
Getting Ready for GTA VI
The anticipation surrounding GTA VI is palpable, with players thinking carefully about how they will experience one of gaming’s biggest releases on November 19, 2026.
The research found that 48% of gamers want a newer or more powerful console or gaming system ahead of the launch, while those planning to upgrade expect to spend £195 on average.
For 44% of gamers, however, that upgrade is currently unaffordable. That is prompting some players to rethink their everyday spending, with 22% saying they would cut back on takeaways and 21% prepared to reduce their nights out to help pay for new technology.
Others are willing to go further.
Almost one in five (19%) would take on extra work or overtime, while 16% would eat cheaper meals. Even Christmas could be affected, with 13% saying they would buy cheaper presents to free up money for their gaming set-up.
The figures show just how eagerly players are anticipating GTA VI. Almost half (46%) say they are more excited about the game’s release than Christmas, while 31% intend to start playing on launch day.
For some, launch day will be treated almost like an event in itself.
One in five (20%) plan to stay up until midnight to start playing, while 18% will order a takeaway so they do not have to interrupt their gaming session to cook.
Another 13% say they will secretly finish work early.
Others are clearing their schedules altogether.
One in ten (10%) plan to take annual leave to play, while 11% are prepared to cancel plans with friends or loved ones.
Those expecting to play during the first weekend anticipate spending almost 12 hours in the game on average.
With that level of anticipation, it is perhaps unsurprising that players are looking for ways to make sure their hardware is ready. The good news is that some may not need to look much further than their own homes.
How can Gamers Free Up Funds?
Gamers could already have a sizeable chunk of their upgrade budget sitting unused in cupboards, bedrooms and entertainment centres.
It is estimated that on average, gamers have almost seven unused consoles at home, which could free up approximately £293.
That is almost £100 more than the £195 gamers expect to spend preparing for GTA VI, potentially putting a more expensive upgrade within reach without requiring them to cut back on everyday spending.
In fact, more than half (52%) of gamers say they would rather trade in old gaming technology than make sacrifices to their usual spending.
Individual devices could also make a significant contribution towards the cost, with average O2 Recycle values including:
- £160 for a PlayStation 5
- £92 for a Nintendo Switch OLED
- £50 for an Xbox One X
- £44 for a Nintendo Switch Lite
- £33.33 for a PlayStation 4
- £30 for an Xbox One S
The figures are estimates, as trade-in values depend on the console’s model and condition.
Consoles that are traded in are either repaired, refurbished and resold or responsibly recycled when they cannot be reused.
Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:
“GTA VI is set to be one of the biggest gaming and cultural moments in years, and many players will want the latest tech to experience it at its best.
“With gamers anticipating they’ll need to spend almost £200 between now and November preparing for the launch, the cost of upgrading can quickly add up.
“But many could also be sitting on old consoles worth enough to make a real difference.”
“Through O2 Recycle, gamers can turn unused tech into cash towards an upgrade, rather than leaving valuable devices tucked away at home or going to waste.”
With the release of GTA VI fast approaching, the research shows that the game’s arrival is already influencing how gamers spend, plan and even organise their time.
For those facing the prospect of an expensive hardware upgrade, however, the answer could be sitting unused in their home in the form of an old console that has not been switched on in years.
