GTA 6 PS5 pre-orders outselling Xbox 6 to 1, as console price increase looms

With GTA 6 pre-orders underway, data about which console maker is benefiting most is surfacing. According to IGN Finds, 6 times as many PS5 copies have been sold as on Xbox. PlayStation winning the battle is not surprising, but the divide between sales may be wider than some gamers expected.

A built-in advantage

As of March 31st, 2026, Sony reported 93.7 million sales of its current-gen consoles. Microsoft hasn’t released updated numbers, but estimates put Series X and S sales at around 34.7 million. While PS5 systems outnumber the rival hardware by a factor of 2.7, PlayStation has an even larger advantage with the open-world crime epic.

Existing install bases are one factor impacting GTA 6 pre-orders, but the game also promises to sell new systems. Rockstar’s cultural phenomenon could entice non-gamers to purchase consoles. Unfortunately, with another Xbox price increase going into effect on August 1st, adoption of the Series X|S may drop further.

The memory shortage has inflated the cost of the PS5 and PS5 Pro as well. Still, during the final months before the game’s release date, they are in a position to offer superior value. If Sony can avoid another price hike ahead of the critical holiday season, it will only benefit GTA 6 PS5 sales.

Microsoft is losing the marketing war

Critics also argue that lackluster marketing is not helping Xbox. Evidence of a deal negotiated by Rockstar and PlayStation emerged when pre-orders opened. The gaming giant claims that the title “Plays Best on PS5”, boasting support for DualSense haptics and Tempest 3D Audio.

Meanwhile, Microsoft’s promotional efforts have been sparse by comparison. That has led fans to worry that some buyers think of the game as a PS5 exclusive. Adding to their concern, the manufacturer is struggling to stockpile enough components to assemble new systems.

GTA 6 PS5 pre-orders are likely to finish well ahead of Xbox. Even so, according to The Game Business, the bump in Sony’s console sales may also be more modest than anticipated. A retailer told the site that demand for the Rockstar title will also exhaust supplies of the hardware.

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Adam Corsetti – Tech Writer – 1370 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2025

I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I’m anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.