In particular, a player-made software patch dubbed the “Hot Coffee mod”, unlocked a previously hidden sexual scene. The game’s violence and sexual content were the source of much public concern and controversy. Like its predecessors, San Andreas is cited as a landmark in video games for its far-reaching influence within the industry. It was the best-selling video game of 2004, and with over 27.5 million copies sold worldwide as of 2011, it is the best-selling PlayStation 2 game and one of the best-selling video games of all time.

Considered by many reviewers to be one of the greatest video games ever made, San Andreas received critical acclaim upon release, with praise directed at its music, story, and gameplay, and criticism for its graphics and some aspects of its controls.