Where to Play Every Grand Theft Auto Game in 2026

Where to play every Grand Theft Auto game in 2026

With Grand Theft Auto 6 expected to become one of the biggest entertainment launches ever when it arrives on 19 November, exploring the older games sounds straightforward. It is not. The earliest entries and several spin-offs are difficult to access legally, while later releases are generally easier to find but can involve imperfect remasters or ageing hardware.

The series is commonly grouped into the 2D, 3D and HD universes. As a general guide, 3D- and HD-era games remain relatively accessible. The 2D titles are much less convenient, often requiring original consoles, second-hand copies or technical workarounds.

For more gaming and arcade coverage, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog. If you are building a dedicated retro setup, our arcade machine buying guide can help with the practical decisions.

GTA Plus is a convenient starting point

Players who already use GTA Online, as well as newcomers, can use the GTA Plus subscription as a relatively simple route into several classic Rockstar releases. At the time covered here, its GTA selection includes:

• Grand Theft Auto 3
• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
• Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
• Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
• Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
• Grand Theft Auto 5
• Grand Theft Auto Online

GTA Plus costs $7.99 per month. Access is tied to the console or PC platform on which the subscription is purchased, with mobile versions available where applicable.

The early 2D games

1. Grand Theft Auto

• Released: 1997
• Platforms: Game Boy Color, PlayStation 1 and Windows PC

The original, top-down 2D game is not currently available through an official release. It was once offered as a free download from the publisher’s website, but that option ended in 2013.

It is often treated as abandonware, although the legal and ethical questions surrounding unofficial copies remain a personal decision. Modern PCs also need modification to run it. The Game Boy Color edition is rudimentary; the PlayStation version is more appealing to collectors because it included a physical map.

2. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969

• Released: 1999
• Platforms: PlayStation and Windows PC

This London-set expansion for the first game is also officially unavailable. Modern PC play requires modified code, while the original PlayStation release remains an option for collectors. It was also sold separately as GTA: London — Special Edition.

3. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961

• Released: 1999
• Platform: Windows PC

The second London expansion was released as freeware for PC, but it is no longer officially available. Playing it on a current computer requires modified code.

4. Grand Theft Auto 2

• Released: 1999
• Platforms: Game Boy Color, Dreamcast, PlayStation and Windows PC

This sequel is set in the then-future year of 2013 and is generally regarded as a weaker entry. Modern PC play again depends on modified code or original hardware. The basic Game Boy Color version is best avoided; the Dreamcast and PlayStation editions are preferable.

The more accessible 3D-era games

5. Grand Theft Auto 3

• Released: 2001
• Modern release: Grand Theft Auto Trilogy — The Definitive Edition on Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X

GTA 3 is much easier to access than the early games. The 2021 remaster is available across modern consoles, PC and mobile, but its technical problems and visual changes attracted substantial criticism. Later patches improved it, although it still differs noticeably from the original.

The 2011 10th Anniversary mobile version remains available on iOS and Android and is closer to the classic presentation. For the most authentic experience, an original PlayStation 2 or Xbox copy is the stronger choice.

6. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

• Released: 2002
• Modern release: Grand Theft Auto Trilogy — The Definitive Edition on Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X

The same availability options and reservations apply to Vice City. The Definitive Edition is convenient, the 10th Anniversary mobile version is closer to the original, and original PlayStation 2 or Xbox hardware provides the most faithful experience.

7. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

• Released: 2004
• Modern release: Grand Theft Auto Trilogy — The Definitive Edition on Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X

San Andreas follows the same pattern. Choose the Definitive Edition for convenience, the 10th Anniversary mobile version for a closer match, or an original PlayStation 2 or Xbox copy for the classic experience.

The 10th Anniversary edition also appeared on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 release is backward compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X, although it is no longer sold; existing digital owners or disc holders can still use it on compatible consoles.

Spin-offs and handheld curiosities

8. Grand Theft Auto Advance

• Released: 2004
• Platform: Game Boy Advance

This top-down 2D title is unusual: it belongs to the 3D universe canon and acts as a prequel to GTA 3. It is no longer officially available, so the practical route is an original cartridge and compatible retro hardware.

9. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

• Released: 2005
• Modern platforms: Android and iOS

This 3D prequel to GTA 3 began on PlayStation Portable before receiving a PlayStation 2 version. Its mid-2010s mobile release is now the simplest way to play it.

10. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

• Released: 2006
• Platforms: PSP and PlayStation 2

This handheld companion to Vice City never received a mobile version. It is no longer officially available, leaving PSP or PlayStation 2 hardware as the supported ways to play it.

For a dedicated physical setup, browse RETROCADE’s arcade machines, compact bartop arcades and replacement arcade parts.