Next-Level GTA 6 Performance Could Be Locked Behind PS5 Pro: Aims for 60 FPS

Rockstar's upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI looks to be one of the most technically ambitious games yet, while hoping to deliver 60 FPS gameplay. However, based on leaks, it appears that every platform that has 60 FPS is likely limited to Sony's not-yet-announced PlayStation 5 Pro. 

Sony's release schedule directly states that Project "Amethyst," an internal system-side upgrade for the PS5, will go live in May 2026, coinciding with GTA VI's rumoured launch. Reportedly, on this PS5 Pro upgrade, a PSSR (spectral super resolution) upscaler with AMD's definitive FX Super Resolution 4 will be enabled, giving the PS5 Pro improved visuals and frame rate performance.

Why Only PS5 Pro?

According to reports, the PS5 Pro, while more powerful, is likely to maintain the same CPU as the standard PS5, but improved clock speeds may be on the cards. The real improvements will come from GPU and upscaling capabilities. Therefore, on the PS5 Pro, achieving 60 FPS at 4K on GTA 6 may be extremely tough; it may be that it works by resolution upscaling. 

For standard consoles, like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, it appears that Rockstar is going with a straight 30‐FPS cap like it has done for some time and even before; it is tradition, as made apparent in its previous releases, like GTA 5 almost a decade ago and Red Dead Redemption 2.

Community Reactions & Developer Responses

Rather than the leaked visuals, which should be received with skepticism, the discussion it sparked amongst fans and analysts on GTAForums and Reddit was interesting. Users on these forums noted that the extra CPU power on the Pro would make a difference and actually stated that even not factoring in the hardware limitations, it is the way decisions were programmed into "robotic" software choices that would allow access to 60 FPS, highlighting that it was not just hardware limitations determining access to the higher refresh rate of 60 frames per second. One user posted: 

"Lack of 60 fps mode is mostly a product of software-related decisions." 

Another user then added that unless Rockstar introduced and marketed a performance mode, even if the Pro hardware has better capabilities, moving to it will not result in native 4k 60fps gaming modes.

What’s Coming Up? 

Expect the PS5 Pro launch, alongside a major software update, in May 2026, which potentially aligns with the planned launch date of GTA 6 (May 26, 2026). 

The console version of GTA 6 will most likely have a performance cap of 30 FPS on standard consoles, while the PS5's Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected to be 60 FPS, made possible by some major optimizations and upscaling. 

Interestingly, the PC version will come later on and is guaranteed to handle their game at a consistent 60 FPS and will offer full customization options. 

They're taking a tiered approach to performance for each platform. 30 FPS on current-gen consoles, 60 FPS on PS5 Pro, and top-end flexibility on PC. For buyers of the PS5 Pro, GTA 6 might be a big enough incentive to buy the Pro. Ultimately, though, what they're going to be able to offer will depend on the production and implementation of a performance-based graphics mode that makes the right decision in balancing fluidity and resolution, particularly given the fairly small hardware bumps that both consoles have received.