Highlights
- PS5’s GTA VI pre-orders are reportedly outselling Xbox by 6-to-1, according to IGN Finds.
- Xbox console prices will increase by up to $150 worldwide starting Aug 1, 2026.
- Retailers warn GTA VI demand could exceed PS5 and Xbox console supply.
PlayStation has taken a commanding early lead in Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) pre-orders, according to new retail data. The figures also point to potential hardware shortages ahead of the game's Nov 19, 2026, launch. IGN Finds reports that PlayStation 5 (PS5) pre-orders for Rockstar Games' upcoming title are currently outselling Xbox versions by 6-to-1.
The data arrive as Sony and Microsoft prepare for what is expected to be one of the biggest game launches in recent years.
The reported split is notably wider than the gap between the two platforms' install bases. Sony reported about 93.7M PS5 consoles sold as of March 31, 2026, while estimates place Xbox Series X|S sales at around 34.7M. Although PlayStation's larger user base gives it a natural advantage, the early pre-order data suggests the console is attracting a significantly higher share of GTA VI buyers.
GTA VI’s Marketing and Pricing Could Influence Console Demand
Rockstar's marketing partnership with PlayStation has also put Sony in the spotlight.
Marketing materials for GTA VI carry the "Plays Best on PS5" message. They also showcase PlayStation-specific features like DualSense haptic feedback and Tempest 3D Audio.
Meanwhile, Microsoft's promotional campaign has been comparatively limited, leading some fans to argue that the game is being presented almost like a PlayStation exclusive despite its simultaneous release on Xbox. Sony even rebranded the PS5 welcome screen with GTA VI artwork following the start of pre-orders.
The console market is also entering a critical period before launch. Microsoft recently announced another Xbox price increase that takes effect on August 1, 2026. The update raises the prices of 512GB models by $100 USD and 1TB models by $150 worldwide as storage and memory costs continue to climb.
Sony has also faced similar cost pressures from ongoing component shortages. However, avoiding another PS5 price hike before the holiday season could strengthen its position ahead of GTA VI's launch.
Hardware Shortages Remain a Concern Before Launch
Strong demand for GTA VI may also be met with limited console availability. The Game Business (TGB) reported that a major games retailer expects PS5 and Xbox Series X|S demand to exceed available stock during the holiday season because of ongoing hardware component shortages.
A senior retailer told TGB that ongoing hardware component shortages will leave stores with fewer consoles than expected ahead of GTA VI. The retailer added that "demand will likely outstrip supply" during the holiday season.
During its May 2026 fourth quarter (Q4) FY2025 earnings briefing, Sony stated it had secured the necessary memory volumes for 2026 and agreed on pricing. However, Xbox Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Matthew Ball, acknowledged that Microsoft is already facing supply constraints, with demand for Xbox consoles exceeding available supply. He added that the company is producing systems "as quickly as possible" despite hardware limitations across several markets.
Rockstar recently confirmed that GTA VI will be available in Standard ($79.99) and Ultimate ($99.99) editions. While GTA VI is expected to boost console sales, hardware shortages could limit its impact.
