Grand Theft Auto III has three distinct editions; the original edition, for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC, the 10 Year Anniversary Edition, for the Apple iOS and Android, and The Definitive Edition for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.
The original edition was released on October 22, 2001, the 10 Year Anniversary Edition on December 15, 2011, and The Definitive Edition on November 11, 2021.
Editions comparison[]
Features | Original Edition | 10 Year Anniversary Edition | The Definitive Edition |
---|---|---|---|
Game disc | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Manual and Printed Map | Yes | Unknown | No |
Checkpoints | No | Yes | Yes |
Achievements and Trophies | PlayStation Network only | No | Yes |
Gore/Pedestrian Dismemberment | Enabled by default on PC, via cheat code on other platforms | No | Unknown |
Custom Radio Station (MP3 Player) | Yes | Yes | Unknown |
10 Year Anniversary Edition[]
The 10 Year Anniversary Edition was announced by Rockstar Games during October 2011. The edition was released for mobile phones and tablets, such as iPod, iPhone and Android. The game was released in fall 2011.
A limited edition of Claude action figure was available for pre-order for $149.99; only 1,500 pieces were made. The iOS version of GTA III has received favorable reception, with IGN rewarding it with a 7.5/10.
Changes[]
- Interface adapted for touch screens, including a fully functional map.
- Ability to rotate the camera in vehicle.
- The ability to immediately restart a failed mission.
- Better resolution textures for vehicles and 3D motor, new license plate model, better quality saloon and improved damaged car parts.
- Improved character models, using a skeletal animation similar to GTA Vice City and the Xbox version of GTA III, different to the original characters "made of blocks" from the PC and PlayStation 2 versions.
- As a result, character dismemberment is no longer possible, as ped parts can no longer be detached.
- Several particles and effects were fixed (e.g. glow under pickups not appearing on PC).
Official Screenshots[]
The Definitive Edition[]

Grand Theft Auto III - The Definitive Edition
The Definitive Edition was announced by Rockstar on October 8, 2021, as part of the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition pack. The edition was released on November 11, 2021 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC; and will be released on December 14, 2023, for Apple iOS and Android.
The edition features across-the-board upgrades including graphical improvements and modern gameplay enhancements, while still maintaining the classic look and feel of its original version.
Changes[]
- New GTA V-inspired modern controls and gameplay features.
- Updated Mini-Maps with enhanced navigation allowing players to set waypoints to destinations.
- Updated Weapon and Radio Station selection wheels.
- The ability to immediately restart a failed mission.
- Plus new Rockstar Games Social Club Accomplishments for members.
- Across-the-board visual enhancements, but still keeping the 3D Universe aesthetic.
- Resolution upgrades and improved visual fidelity across the world.
- Brilliant new lighting and environmental upgrades.
- High-resolution textures for characters, weapons, vehicles, roads, and much more for greater detail.
- Increased draw distances.
- Enhanced shadows, reflections.
- Improved water and weather effects.
- Enhanced detail on trees and foliage.
- Platform-Specific Features.
- 4K-resolution support with 60 FPS performance for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X systems.
- NVIDIA DLSS support for PC.
- Touch screen camera zooming, pans and menu selections as well as Gyro aiming for Nintendo Switch.