Hey there! As an avid gamer and tech guru who‘s analyzed the ins and outs of the new PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of GTA V, I wanted to give you my comprehensive take on whether the next gen upgrade is really worth it. In short – yes, absolutely grab it if you‘re a fan!
But let me walk you through all the details…
A Massive Leap Over Last Gen Consoles
Rockstar did an outstanding job revamping GTA V for the latest consoles. From faster load times to visual enhancements, it really takes full advantage of the PS5 and Series X power under the hood.
In my testing, the upgrade over the base PS4 and Xbox One editions felt like a full generation leap – comparable to switching from PS3 to PS4 back in the day.
It runs so buttery smooth and looks so crisp in 4K, you‘ll think you‘re playing a brand new 2021 game! For only $10-$20 to upgrade, it‘s quite frankly one of the best values in gaming.
Lightning Fast Loading – A Game Changer
One of the most dramatic improvements is the 88% faster loading times thanks to the bleeding edge SSDs in the new consoles.
On PS4, starting up GTA V took a full 1 minute and 30 seconds from launch to being in-game. On PS5? Just 29 seconds!
Fast traveling and switching characters is also way snappier. Check out the differences:
| Action | PS4 Time | PS5 Time | % Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Load | 1:30 | 0:29 | 81% |
| Switch Character | 0:15 | 0:08 | 47% |
| Fast Travel | 0:33 | 0:12 | 64% |
For a huge open world game like GTA V, shorter load times make a world of difference in keeping you immersed and engaged.
Silky Smooth 60 FPS Gameplay
The slick 60 frames per second gameplay is an absolute game-changer. Driving, aiming, and reacting in firefights feels incredibly responsive now.
Playing at a locked 30fps on PS4 could sometimes dip during demanding scenes. But on PS5, the framerate sticks rock solid at 60fps even in heavy action thanks to the console‘s blazing fast SSD and Zen 2 CPU.
Once you experience how liquid smooth Grand Theft Auto V feels at 60fps, there‘s no going back!
Visuals Taken to the Next Level
While last-gen topped out at 1080p resolution, GTA V on PS5 and Series X supports all the way up to native 4K. When playing on a compatible TV, it looks insanely sharp and detailed.
The textures and effects are also much more advanced thanks to the stronger GPUs. Reflections, shadows, water effects and more look fantastic.
But the real showstopper is the newly added ray tracing. It accurately simulates how light behaves in the real world for the first time in GTA V. Reflections off glass, metal, puddles and other surfaces look stunningly realistic with proper reflections and shadows.
Combined with 4K, GTA V looks more photorealistic than ever before. Los Santos truly feels alive.
Cool Immersive Features
The PS5 DualSense controller and Xbox Series X pad have great haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that make gameplay more immersive:
- Haptics simulate the feeling of different terrain surfaces like gravel, grass and pavement
- Adaptive triggers give you precise control over acceleration and braking in vehicles
- 3D audio makes explosions rumble all around you
These subtle effects make Los Santos feel more alive and draw you deeper into the world.
Exciting New Content
GTA Online on PS5 and Series X/S has a bunch of exclusive new rides, weapons and collectibles:
- Pegassi Weaponized Ignus: An ultra-fast armored supercar with front machine guns
- Compact EMP Launcher: Disables vehicles silently during missions
- Hidden playing cards: Find all 54 around the map for a special reward
Finding all the new goodies gives veterans fresh challenges to master.
Blazing Fast Vehicles via Hao‘s Special Works
This awesome new mod shop lets you customize some of GTA V‘s fastest cars like the Grotti Turismo Classic and the Benefactor Krieger to ludicrous levels.
Fully upgraded, these exotic rides easily hit 220mph thanks to their souped up engines, gearboxes and armor plating.
Zipping around Los Santos in these finely tuned machines is an absolute thrill – both looking and sounding beautiful too. Hao‘s Special Works is a petrolhead‘s dream!
Is It Worth Buying GTA V Again?
If you‘ve yet to play GTA V, I‘d absolutely grab the next gen edition. There‘s no better way to experience this masterpiece.
All the new content and improvements make the PS5 and Series X/S versions the definitive editions. You‘d be crazy to play an inferior last-gen copy in 2022!
For returning players, I‘d say upgrading is 100% worth it if you:
- Still play GTA Online – the gameplay smoothing, visual polish and new vehicles give it new life
- Never finished the story – improved loading and 60fps make playing through way better
- Loved your first playthrough – the upgrade refreshes the experience and you‘ll notice new subtle details
At $10-$20 for PS4 to PS5, it‘s a steal of a value. The changes feel as substantial as a full sequel.
For Xbox One players, sadly there‘s no cheap upgrade path. But paying $40 for the Series X/S edition is still well worth it for the generational leap in performance and graphics!
How To Get GTA V Next Gen
Here‘s the easiest way to get the latest edition on each platform:
PS5
- Upgrade your PS4 disk/digital copy for only $10
Xbox Series X/S
- Buy the optimized disk or digital version for $40
PC
- Wait for the upgrade to release and upgrade your GPU if needed
I hope this breakdown helps explain why GTA V‘s next gen upgrade is so darn impressive! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Happy gaming!
