Xbox Challenges Claims of PS5 Dominating GTA 6 Pre-orders

WHO:

[ ] - Push Square - Microsoft, IGN, Xbox, PlayStation, Rockstar Games

[ ] - Windows Central - Xbox spokesperson

WHAT:

Eurogamer - GTA 6 will not have a physical release "not at launch, and not months later," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Eurogamer - GTA 6 is set to release on November 19th for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X.

[ ] - Push Square - IGN reported that PS5 pre-orders for GTA 6 are outperforming Xbox pre-orders by a ratio of 8:1.

[ ] - Push Square - The original report from IGN stated a ratio of 6:1.

[ ] - Push Square - Xbox has claimed to have record orders for their consoles.

[ ] - Windows Central - Xbox consoles will see price increases effective August 1, 2026:

Series S 512GB: $399 ➡️ $499

Series S 1TB: $449 ➡️ $599

Series X 1TB: $649 ➡️ $800

Series X 1TB Digital: $599 ➡️ $750

WHERE:

[ ] - Push Square - The data regarding pre-orders is based on affiliate data from IGN, which reflects user traffic and clicks.

WHEN:

[ ] - Windows Central - Price increases for Xbox consoles will take effect on August 1, 2026.

WHY:

[ ] - Push Square - Microsoft responded to the pre-order data to clarify that it does not represent actual pre-order data and urged people to wait for real data.

[ ] - Windows Central - The article discusses the context of economic pressures affecting the console market, including price hikes and potential studio closures.

HOW:

[ ] - Push Square - IGN's data is derived from its affiliate linking program, which tracks user traffic and clicks directed through specific retail links.

(UPDATED June 28, 2026 04:17 UTC)

GTA 6 is set to release on November 19th for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X. However, it will not have a physical release, with reports indicating that there will be no physical copies available at launch or for months afterward. This news comes from The Hollywood Reporter and was reported by Eurogamer.

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(UPDATED June 28, 2026 01:38 UTC)

IGN has reported that PS5 pre-orders for the highly anticipated GTA 6 are outperforming Xbox pre-orders by a staggering ratio of eight to one, a notable increase from an earlier reported ratio of six to one. In response to this data, Microsoft clarified that these figures do not reflect actual pre-order numbers and encouraged consumers to wait for more concrete information, while also announcing significant price increases for Xbox consoles effective August 1, 2026. The price hikes will see the Series S 512GB jump from $399 to $499, the Series S 1TB from $449 to $599, the Series X 1TB from $649 to $800, and the Series X 1TB Digital from $599 to $750.