If you mean the first Grand Theft Auto, released in 1997, a current official digital store listing for that game was not established. The original had PC and PlayStation releases, so second-hand physical copies are the route to investigate. Rockstar’s listed Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition is a different collection: it contains GTA III, Vice City and San Andreas.
Which game counts as the original Grand Theft Auto?
This guide is about the first game, Grand Theft Auto (1997), not GTA III or a later collection. The original was released for PC and PlayStation. A current official digital listing for the 1997 game was not established in the store pages checked as of October 7, 2026.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Grand Theft Auto 5 PS4 - PlayStation 4 ( GTA V Ps4) | $26.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition (PS4) | $27.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Grand Theft Auto - PlayStation | $60.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Rockstar Games Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition (PS4) | $25.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Grand Theft Auto San Andreas | $31.86 | Buy on Amazon |
Where to look for the 1997 game
Used PC copies
Search second-hand listings for terms such as “Grand Theft Auto 1997 PC CD-ROM.” Check the actual listing to confirm it is the original game and the PC edition you want; inspect the disc and packaging condition, region, included manuals or extras, and the seller’s return terms.
Used PlayStation copies
Physical PlayStation copies are another version to look for. Before buying, verify the disc condition and confirm that its region and format are compatible with your console. Listings and availability vary, and no current resale stock or prices were verified.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Drive through the largest GTA environment ever -- The game has three cities players can explore, for a gaming area 5 times larger than Vice City
- Recruit new characters into a street gang and take over by leading drive-by shootings against rivals Steal all-new vehicles, including bicycles
- Improved fighting elements -- smoother hand-to-hand combat, plus the ability to hold a weapon in each hand
- New graphics elements as cars get dirty and even rust, the longer you drive them
- Advanced role-playing elements -- Unlike previous GTA characters, Carl can swim and he needs to eat to survive
Rank #4
- Grand Theft Auto III: It all starts in Liberty City
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City: Welcome to the 1980s
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: Five years ago, Carl 'CJ' Johnson escaped the haze of Los Santos, San Andreas...a city tearing itself apart with gang trouble, drugs, and corruption.
Rank #3
- Platform- Sony Playstation 1
Rank #2
- Grand Theft Auto III: It all starts in Liberty City
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City: Welcome to the 1980s
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: Five years ago, Carl 'CJ' Johnson escaped the haze of Los Santos, San Andreas...a city tearing itself apart with gang trouble, drugs, and corruption.
#1 Best Overall
Are the original GTA and the later store listings the same?
| Option | What is established | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Original PC release | The first game had a PC release; a current official digital listing was not established. | Confirm the 1997 game, edition, region, contents and condition on the used listing. |
| Original PlayStation release | The first game had a PlayStation release; current availability was not established. | Check disc condition and console/region compatibility. |
| GOG | The surfaced page for the original is a Dreamlist request, not a product page where the game is currently listed for purchase: GOG Dreamlist: Grand Theft Auto. | Do not treat the request page as a current offer. |
| Rockstar Store | The researched listing is Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, containing GTA III, Vice City and San Andreas: Rockstar Store listing. | This is a later trilogy, not the 1997 original. |
What to verify before buying a used copy
- Identity: Make sure the listing is for the first Grand Theft Auto from 1997, rather than a later GTA game or trilogy collection.
- Platform and region: Confirm whether it is the PC or PlayStation version and whether it matches your intended hardware and region.
- Condition and contents: Review photos and descriptions of the disc, case, manual and any included extras.
- Seller terms: Check the seller’s return policy and stated condition before paying.
- Modern hardware: Compatibility with current computers was not verified. Do not assume that an old PC disc will install or run on a modern system.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
