The grand theft Auto franchise is about to celebrate another milestone with the launch of GTA 6 on November 19. With that hype swirling, many gamers assume the back-catalog is just a click away. In reality, the series spans three distinct eras – the 2D universe, the 3D universe, and the modern HD universe – and their availability in 2026 varies dramatically.
The early 2D era – scarce and retro-only
The first three releases – Grand theft auto (1997), Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 (1999) and London 1961 (1999) – were built for PlayStation, Windows and even Game Boy Color. Rockstar no longer sells any of these titles, and they were removed from the official download page in 2013. Legally, they sit in a gray area often referred to as abandonware, meaning the software is no longer marketed or supported. Running them on a modern PC typically requires community-made patches or emulators, and the only reliable way to experience them without fiddling with code is to own the original hardware.
Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999) followed the same pattern. Although it appeared on Dreamcast and PlayStation, none of those versions are re-released digitally. Enthusiasts still circulate patched PC builds, but official channels offer nothing. For collectors, tracking down an original disc or cartridge remains the safest path.
The 3D and HD eras – largely covered by GTA Plus and remasters
Starting with GTA 3 (2001), the series entered the 3D universe, and most of those games enjoy contemporary distribution. Rockstar’s subscription service, GTA Plus, priced at $7.99 per month, bundles a curated library that includes GTA 3, Vice City, San Andreas, Liberty City Stories, Chinatown Wars, GTA 5 and the online component. Access is limited to the platform on which you subscribe, but mobile versions are also included where they exist.
The 2021 Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition repackages the three cornerstone titles for Android, iOS, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X|S and Windows. While the remake suffered at launch due to graphical glitches, subsequent patches have stabilized it, making it the most convenient way for most players to dip into the classic 3D world. For purists seeking the original feel, the 10-year anniversary mobile ports (available on iOS and Android) or original PS2/Xbox discs provide a more authentic experience.
A quick reference of every GTA title and how to play it today
Grand Theft Auto 3 (2001)
Available via the Definitive Edition across all current consoles and PC, or through the 10-year anniversary mobile version. Original PS2 discs still work on backward-compatible hardware.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)
Same distribution as GTA 3 – Definitive Edition on modern platforms, mobile anniversary port, or legacy PS2/Xbox copies.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
Definitive Edition covers it, with a mobile anniversary build for iOS/Android. The Xbox 360 version is backward compatible with newer Xbox consoles for those who own it digitally.
Grand Theft Auto Advance (2004)
A top-down Game Boy Advance title that remains exclusive to the handheld. Only a physical cartridge and a GBA or compatible emulator will run it.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005)
Originally a PSP launch, now most easily accessed via the Android and iOS ports released in the mid-2010s.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (2006)
No mobile version exists. Playable on PSP or PS2 hardware; both are out of production, so collectors must source second-hand copies.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009)
Part of the GTA Plus lineup; also available on iOS and Android as a standalone purchase.
Grand Theft Auto V (2013) and GTA Online
Included in GTA Plus, and sold separately on every current console and PC. The Definitive Edition adds enhanced visuals for next-gen hardware.
If you own a modern console or PC, the fastest route to the bulk of the series is a GTA Plus subscription combined with the Definitive Edition. For the early 2D titles, expect to hunt down original media or rely on community-maintained patches. The landscape may be uneven, but with a little effort every Grand Theft Auto adventure remains within reach.
