GTA 5 given new lease of life after modders get it running natively on Android

Talented modders have unofficially ported GTA V to Android devices, making the hugely popular Rockstar Games title playable on mobile. You could say that we got a mobile GTA V before GTA VI, am I right?

Rockstar Games originally released GTA V on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2013, before porting it to multiple platforms across generations, the most recent being PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2022. Now, fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of GTA VI on November 19, 2026.

However, before the highly anticipated next entry in the Grand Theft Auto series graces us with its presence in a couple of months, via the power of emulation, modders have managed to unofficially port GTA V to mobile Android devices. As far as we can tell, the unofficial port is not yet available to the public and remains in development by modders.

GTA 5 Android gameplay footage emerges on Reddit

“GTA V - Native Android Port - High Graphics,” shared Reddit user aruiz34. In the post, two gameplay clips are shared of GTA V seemingly running on Android. The gameplay clips show Michael leaving the house, then going on a drive around Los Santos before picking fights with unfortunate NPCs.

“Dang, looks about as good as the Xbox 360 and PS3 version. The life of GTA V spanned three generations of consoles and saw phones become capable of emulating GTA; now it’s just ported,” replied Mrjdog199.

“Yoooo let’s goooo bro,” exclaimed a delighted Retro_Dj_Player_2000.

“Is there gamepad support?” asked FakeMik090, to which aruiz34 responded, “Yes, it’s supported. I haven't tried it yet because I'm trying to change the language, since it's currently in Chinese.”

READ MORE: GTA 6 confirms vehicle gamers have wanted for years - and it's good news for GTA Online 2

You can play GTA 5 legally on mobile devices

Yes, you can play GTA V legally on mobile devices with PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. However, there are some important caveats.

Firstly, GTA V is not always included with PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, because it comes and goes at Rockstar Games’ discretion. Secondly, the performance will depend on your broadband connection. So, that’s all worth keeping in mind.

It would be awesome if we were to get an official native port of GTA V on mobile devices, because the speed at which technology is advancing, it’s not outside the realm of possibility.

After all, I’m sure there was a time when it was unthinkable to accept the possibility of GTA III, GTA: Vice City and GTA: San Andreas being playable on mobile devices. That’s been possible for several years.

Grand Theft Auto V is out on PC, PlayStation and Xbox.