What to sort out before launch day
Ordered by how much it affects your first week of playing. Delivery windows tighten close to launch, so the top items are the ones to buy now.
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Storage space
Big open-world games take a lot of room, and day-one patches add more. Check your free space now. PS5 takes a compatible M.2 SSD; Xbox Series X|S uses storage expansion cards.
A second controller
Drift and dead batteries happen at the worst time. A spare means a long session never gets cut short.
A headset
Good directional audio makes a city this dense feel alive. Skip the cheapest models: look for wireless, a long battery and comfortable ear cushions for marathon nights.
A screen that keeps up
Look for a TV or monitor with HDMI 2.1 and a 120 Hz panel to get the most from current consoles.
Capture gear for streaming or clips
Both consoles can record clips on their own. If you plan to stream, a capture card and a decent microphone are the two upgrades viewers notice first.
Get the free launch-week checklist
A one-page checklist for launch week: storage, preload, settings to change before you start, what to do if servers or downloads are slow, and how to dodge spoilers. Tick it off on your phone or print it.
Open the checklistBest moments, cut short
The funniest and most unexpected moments from launch week, clipped to under a minute.
Watch on YouTubeQuick answers
- When does it launch?
- November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PC release has not been announced.
- Do I need to buy accessories before launch?
- None are required. Storage space is the one most likely to catch people out, so check it first.
- Will prices change on launch week?
- Retail prices move often. The links above open live listings, so you always see the current price.