Introduction
While Rockstar opens reservations for the next big release, it’s a perfect moment to revisit the roots of the Grand Theft Auto series. Many of the early games aren’t on modern stores, so playing them often means digging out old discs, cartridges, or retro consoles. Below is a teen‑friendly guide to where each title lives today and how you can legally experience it.
The Top‑Down Beginnings (1997‑1999)
GTA (1997) – PC
The original game launched on PC with a bird’s‑eye view and missions scattered across several cities. It later appeared on PlayStation and Game Boy Color, but Rockstar never bundled it in a modern collection. The only legal way to play it now is to hunt down an original copy and run it on the hardware it was made for.
GTA London 1969 (1999) – PC & PlayStation
This expansion moved the action to swinging‑sixties London, keeping the same top‑down style. Like the first title, it isn’t sold today; you need an old disc or a compatible system.
GTA London 1961 (1999) – PC
A PC‑only add‑on that added fresh missions and an earlier setting to the 1969 expansion. No re‑release exists, so preserving the original files or finding a vintage copy is required.
GTA 2 (1999) – PC & PlayStation
DMA Design’s sequel kept the top‑down perspective but introduced the futuristic “Anywhere City.” It also saw releases on Dreamcast and Game Boy Color. Currently, the only legal routes are the original PC/PlayStation discs or those classic console versions.
The Leap to 3D (2001‑2004)
GTA III (2001) – PlayStation 2
The first fully 3‑D entry brought Liberty City to life and set the template for future games. It’s now part of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, playable on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
GTA Vice City (2002) – PlayStation 2
Set in a neon‑soaked Miami‑inspired Vice City, this title is also in the Definitive Edition, accessible on the same platforms as GTA III.
GTA San Andreas (2004) – PlayStation 2
Expanding the map to three cities and vast countryside, San Andreas remains a fan favorite. Like its predecessors, it’s available via the Definitive Edition on current consoles and PC.
Handheld Adventures & Spin‑Offs (2004‑2009)
GTA Advance (2004) – Game Boy Advance
A top‑down take on Liberty City made for the GBA. No re‑release exists; you need the original cartridge and a GBA, DS, or DS Lite to play.
GTA Liberty City Stories (2005) – PSP
Originally a PSP exclusive, later ported to PS2 and mobile. You can play it on an original PSP or PS2, or, if you’re a GTA+ subscriber, on iOS/Android.
GTA Vice City Stories (2006) – PSP
A prequel to Vice City, first on PSP then PS2. It’s not in the modern trilogy, so the clearest legal route is an original PSP or PS2 copy (or the mobile version for GTA+ members).
GTA Chinatown Wars (2009) – Nintendo DS
Designed for the DS touch screen, featuring Huang Lee as the protagonist. Playable on an original DS or PSP, and on iOS/Android for GTA+ subscribers.
The HD Era (2008‑2013)
GTA IV (2008) – PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360
Rockstar North’s gritty take on Liberty City starring Niko Bellic. No native PS5/PS4 version, but the PC Complete Edition (including the DLCs) runs on modern computers.
GTA IV: The Lost and Damned (2009) – Xbox 360
First story DLC, following Johnny Klebitz. Included in the PC Complete Edition.
GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony (2009) – Xbox 360
Second DLC, spotlighting Luis López and Liberty City nightlife. Also part of the PC Complete Edition.
GTA V (2013) – PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360
The current benchmark, with three protagonists and a massive open world. Available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
GTA Online (2013) – PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360
Originally the multiplayer mode of GTA V, now a living, evolving platform. Accessible on the same current‑gen platforms as GTA V, depending on the store version.
The Future: GTA VI
GTA VI (Scheduled Nov 19, 2026) – PS5 & Xbox Series X|S
Set in the fictional state of Leonida, with Vice City as a major backdrop, the game will star Jason and Lucía. As of now, there’s no legal way to play it—official release is the only path forward. PC availability hasn’t been confirmed yet.
Conclusion
From the pixelated top‑down streets of the late ’90s to the sprawling, cinematic worlds of today, each Grand Theft Auto entry offers a unique slice of gaming history. While many of the classics live only on old hardware or in faithful re‑releases like the Definitive Edition, they’re still worth seeking out for anyone curious about how the series evolved. Keep an eye on official channels for GTA VI, and enjoy the journey through the franchise’s past while you wait.
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Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.es