Console and PC Differences

There were changes made between the console versions and PC version when the console versions were ported to the PC. Sometimes the changes can be dramatic. This is a list of all noticeable changes.

Grand Theft Auto III

• Custom draw distance setting
• Custom resolution setting
• Replay functionality
• Manual aiming with the mouse by default; guns have pinpoint accuracy with manual aiming
• The M16 crosshair texture was changed
• More objects were placed around the map, including
  • Fire escapes
  • Metal barriers, like the one in front of the Raffles Fish Factory
  • Cardboard boxes, like the one in the alley with a bribe pickup south of Ammu-Nation

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

• Custom draw distance setting
• Custom resolution setting
• Replay functionality
• Manual aiming with the mouse by default; guns have pinpoint accuracy with manual aiming
• The Vice Point Langer was rebranded the WK Chariot Hotel
• The Tear Gas behind the VCPD HQ in Washington Beach was replaced by Grenades
• The Hidden Packages rewards glitch associated to the Hyman Condo was fixed
• Several weapon names were renamed, including the Colt .45 (Pistol), Colt Python (.357), Spaz Shotgun (S.P.A.S. 12), Ingram Mac 10 (Mac), Uzi 9mm (Uz-I), MP5 (MP), Ruger (Kruger), and PSG-1 (.308 Sniper)
• Textures of map objects are rendered on one side, making the developers retexture the majority of the map although spots were missed

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

• Custom draw distance setting
• Custom resolution setting
• Manual aiming with the mouse by default
• Setting to use cell-shaded shadows
• Cars use specular lighting
• More objects were placed around the map
• Introduced several glitches, including
  • Cars are always dirty (partially fixed in subsequent patches)
  • Moon displays no phases
  • Incorrect lighting of the environment

Grand Theft Auto IV

• Manual aiming with the mouse by default; guns have pinpoint accuracy with manual aiming
• A plethora of custom settings, including
  • Custom view distance
  • Custom resolution
  • Reflection quality
  • Texture quality
  • Traffic density
  • Shadow density
  • Windowed mode
• The Video Editor: the ability to view, edit, and publish videos created within the game
• The player limit in multiplayer was expanded from 16 to 32 players
• Vehicles have a "dirt" attribute so poor and run-down cars no longer look as shiny as sports cars
• The ability to toggle the "blur filter" with the press of a button
• In the latest patch, the shadows are no longer dimply; they are much more sharp and clear.