Report: GTA 6 Pre-Orders Overwhelmingly Favor PlayStation 5
A report from The Verge, citing Xbox sources, indicates that Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are heavily skewed toward the PS5, raising concerns at Microsoft. Sony's larger install base and aggressive marketing are likely contributing factors. The exact ratio of pre-orders has not been disclosed.
The Verge’s report, attributed to unnamed Xbox insiders, suggests that pre-order distribution for Grand Theft Auto VI is disproportionately favoring Sony’s console. While the exact ratio remains undisclosed, the PS5’s installed base—roughly 100 million units versus about 35 million for Xbox Series X|S—already implies a natural 3:1 split. However, Sony’s aggressive marketing partnership with Rockstar may be amplifying that gap further, according to the article’s author.
This imbalance arrives amid broader turmoil at Microsoft, including layoffs and restructuring tied to its Activision Blizzard acquisition. The report indicates that Xbox leadership views GTA VI pre-orders as a fresh warning sign about the platform’s competitive position. No official sales data from Rockstar or Sony has been released, though third-party analytics firms may eventually offer estimates.
This story could shape consumer expectations and platform loyalty ahead of GTA VI’s release. If pre-order trends hold, PlayStation may solidify its dominance in the premium gaming market, while Xbox could face pressure to justify its hardware’s value. The disparity may also influence how publishers allocate marketing budgets and exclusive content deals, potentially affecting players’ purchasing decisions and the competitive balance of the console industry.