There are some games that never really get old, no matter how many new titles come and go. Grand Theft Auto V is definitely one of them. Even in 2025, more than a decade after its release, the excitement around GTA 5 refuses to fade. Recently, I decided to finally buy the GTA 5 Premium Edition for my PS4 Slim, and today I want to share my complete unboxing and first-hand experience with you — from tearing off the Amazon packaging to actually loading the game and exploring Los Santos for the very first time.
If you’re someone who’s been thinking, “Should I still buy GTA 5 in 2025?” or just curious how it runs on a PS4 Slim these days, this post will give you the most honest, relatable view — straight from my living room!
The Excitement Before the Box Arrived
Like most gamers in India, I’ve been eyeing GTA 5 for years. I’ve seen countless gameplay videos, memes, and even fan mods, but somehow I never played it properly myself. So when I finally ordered it from Amazon, the excitement was unreal. You know that feeling when a long-time wish finally comes home? Exactly that.
The delivery arrived neatly packed, and as soon as I had the box in my hands, I could already feel that this wasn’t just any regular game disc. The Premium Edition packaging looked solid, with Rockstar’s signature style artwork — bold, flashy, and very “Los Santos”. I could sense the nostalgia even before I opened it.
Unboxing the GTA 5 Premium Edition
So there I was, camera on, PS4 waiting beside me, and that brand-new sealed GTA 5 box in my hand. The plastic wrapping made that satisfying tearing sound, and once it came off, the first thing I noticed was how heavy the box felt. Compared to some other PS4 discs I own (like Horizon Zero Dawn), this one definitely had a bit of weight. Inside the box, I found:
- The GTA 5 game disc
- A beautifully printed map of Los Santos and Blaine County
- The Premium Edition bonus code slip
That map instantly took me back to my childhood days when games used to come with posters and maps you could actually touch. It’s rare these days when everything is digital. The printing quality was top-notch — vibrant colours, detailed markings of every location — it felt like holding a treasure map for your next big adventure.
Installing GTA 5 on PS4 — Patience Needed!
Now comes the real part — installation. Anyone who’s used a PS4 knows that disc games take their sweet time to install. So I inserted the GTA 5 disc and waited. The screen flashed “Preparing to Install”, and I thought, maybe 10-15 minutes? Nope. It took a solid 40 minutes for the full installation to finish.
Honestly, I didn’t mind. I used that time to set up my camera, grab a cup of tea, and admire the map that came with the game. The anticipation kept building. Finally, after what felt like forever, the progress bar hit 100%. The moment had come.
First Launch — That Rockstar Logo Feeling
When the Rockstar logo appeared on the screen, with that familiar music, I actually got goosebumps. You know when you’ve waited for something for too long, and then it finally happens? That’s the magic of gaming.
The loading screen, as expected, took a bit of time. If you’ve ever played on a PS4 Slim, you know the system isn’t the fastest compared to PS5 or PC, but it handled things decently. Within a few minutes, I was inside the Story Mode — and wow, the opening scene immediately pulled me in.
Graphics and Performance on PS4 Slim
Now, this was the part I was most curious about. Would GTA 5 still look good in 2025 on old hardware? To my surprise, yes, it does. The game still looks absolutely stunning on PS4, especially considering its age. The lighting, reflections, and character animations felt smooth, and Los Santos looked alive as ever.
Sure, it’s not 4K, and you can tell it’s not next-gen quality, but when you’re actually playing — driving through the city, watching the sunset near the beach, or running from cops — it feels immersive. The frame rate stayed steady, no major lags or crashes. Rockstar really optimized this game well for consoles like PS4 Slim.Gameplay: First Time in Los Santos
This was my very first time controlling a character in GTA 5. The tutorial mission instantly reminded me of classic action movie scenes. The controls took a few minutes to get used to, but once I figured it out, it became second nature.
When I finally stepped out into the open world, I literally paused for a second just to take it all in. The streets were buzzing with cars, pedestrians had their own routines, and the background chatter made it feel like a living, breathing city.Driving around felt incredibly satisfying. The radio stations still have that Rockstar humor, and I couldn’t stop laughing at some of the random dialogues. Even after all these years, the world-building in GTA 5 is unmatched.
Storage and Space Insights
After installation, I checked the storage. GTA 5 took around 55 GB of space, which is pretty heavy for PS4 users with 500GB storage models. So, if you’re planning to buy it, make sure to clear out some space beforehand.
The good thing is, once installed, it runs smoothly without needing constant updates unless you go for GTA Online, which requires additional downloads. For offline story players like me, it’s perfect.
GTA 5 Story Mode vs Online (In 2025)
A lot of people ask, “Should I play Story Mode or jump straight into GTA Online?” Honestly, I’d say start with Story Mode if you’re new. It’s cinematic, emotional, and full of Rockstar-style storytelling.
In 2025, GTA Online is still active, but it’s crowded with experienced players, modders, and tons of updates that can feel overwhelming for beginners. Once you get comfortable with controls and gameplay, you can definitely dive into online mode. But for now, the single-player experience itself is worth every rupee.
Was the Wait Worth It?
Absolutely. Even though the installation took a while and the PS4 Slim showed its age here and there, the overall experience was amazing. GTA 5 still feels like one of the best open-world games ever made.
The graphics, story, characters — everything still holds up in 2025. If you’ve never played it before, you’ll enjoy every moment. And if you’ve played it earlier, revisiting it on console brings back pure nostalgia.
Final Thoughts
As I sat there driving through Vinewood Hills, watching the in-game sunset, it hit me — this game has aged like fine wine. Rockstar really created something timeless with GTA 5.
So, if you’ve been wondering whether to buy GTA 5 for your PS4 in 2025, I’d say go for it. The Premium Edition is totally worth the price, especially with the map and bonus content. Just make sure you’ve got the patience for that long install time!
Gaming isn’t just about new graphics or latest titles — sometimes it’s about revisiting classics that remind you why you fell in love with gaming in the first place. GTA 5 does exactly that
