GDDR6 (Graphics Double Data Rate 6)
Graphics Double Data Rate 6 – high-bandwidth graphics memory used in graphics cards, AI accelerators, networking equipment and gaming consoles. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X each use 16GB of GDDR6, the high-bandwidth memory pool for powering games like the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI. The PlayStation 4 used earlier GDDR5, while handhelds such as the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2 use low-power LPDDR5 or LPDDR5X instead.
- 16GBPS5 and Xbox Series X
- 448 GB/sPS5 bandwidth
- 560 GB/sXbox Series X (fast pool)
- GDDR7Next generation
What is GDDR6?
GDDR6 is the sixth generation of Graphics Double Data Rate memory, a DRAM type built for very high bandwidth rather than low cost or low power. It is used in graphics cards, AI accelerators, networking equipment and gaming consoles.
In a console, GDDR6 serves as one shared pool for both the CPU and GPU. The 16GB of GDDR6 in the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is the high-bandwidth memory pool for powering games like the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI, feeding textures, geometry and streamed world data to the console's AMD APU.
Memory used in popular gaming consoles
| Console | Memory | Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | 16GB GDDR6, 256-bit | 448 GB/s |
| Xbox Series X | 16GB GDDR6 | Up to 560 GB/s |
| Xbox Series S | GDDR6 | — |
| PlayStation 4 | 8GB GDDR5, 256-bit | 176 GB/s |
| Xbox One | 8GB DDR3 + 32MB ESRAM | 68 GB/s (DDR3) |
| Steam Deck | 16GB LPDDR5 | — |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | 12GB LPDDR5X | 102 GB/s docked |
Specifications are from manufacturer and published teardown sources listed below. A dash means the figure is not covered by those sources.
Why it matters for component buyers
GDDR6 memory ICs are standard components sold by Samsung, Micron and SK hynix, and they are among the parts that tighten fastest when graphics, AI and console demand rise together. Hybrid sources GDDR6 and earlier GDDR5 memory for repair, refurbishment and production shortages, and buys excess memory inventory.
Frequently asked questions
How much GDDR6 does the PS5 have?
The PlayStation 5 has 16GB of GDDR6 on a 256-bit bus, delivering 448 GB/s of bandwidth.
What memory will Grand Theft Auto VI use?
Grand Theft Auto VI launches on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, which use GDDR6 memory shared between the CPU and GPU.
What is the difference between GDDR6 and DDR memory?
GDDR6 is designed for very high bandwidth to feed graphics processors, while standard DDR memory is optimized for lower latency, cost and power in general-purpose computers.
Does the Nintendo Switch 2 use GDDR6?
No. The Nintendo Switch 2 uses 12GB of low-power LPDDR5X memory.
Sources
- Rockstar launch details via IBTimes
- Tom's Hardware: PS5 vs Xbox Series X specs
- PCGamesN: PS5 and Xbox Series X specs
- ITMO University: console GPU features
- Engadget: Xbox Series X vs PS5 Pro
- Steam Deck tech specs
- GamingBolt: how console SoCs are made
- TechPowerUp: Nintendo Switch 2 specifications
- Wikipedia: AMD Jaguar console chips
Trademark and affiliation notice. Grand Theft Auto and Grand Theft Auto VI are trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. PlayStation is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Steam Deck is a trademark of Valve Corporation. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo. AMD, Ryzen, Radeon, RDNA and EPYC are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. NVIDIA and Tegra are trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation. Hybrid Electronics is an independent electronic-components sourcing company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by any of these companies. Console chips named on this page are not offered for sale. Information is compiled from public sources for educational and reference purposes. Last updated October 27, 2026.