GTA 6 launch sparks console shortages and missing Xbox disc in Brazil

The release of Grand Theft Auto VI on 19 November 2026 is expected to drive unprecedented demand for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. Major retailers warn that hardware stock may fall short of holiday‑season demand because the global semiconductor shortage – intensified by the surge in AI‑related chip production – limits the number of consoles manufacturers can deliver. Xbox strategy chief Matthew Ball said the “demand for our console exceeds supply,” while Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki told investors the necessary PS5 volume for 2026 has been secured.

In Brazil, the shortage is evident in the absence of a physical Xbox version of GTA VI. Amazon Brazil lists only the PlayStation 5 edition, whereas the U.S. site shows both console editions. The lack of an Xbox disc highlights the broader supply‑chain challenges affecting gamers who prefer boxed media.

Analysts note that higher component costs have already forced Xbox to raise console prices, further pressuring the market ahead of the game’s launch.