Xbox defends GTA 6 pre-order performance amid PlayStation dominance reports

Microsoft is defending the performance of Xbox regarding pre-orders for Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6). Following reports suggesting that pre-order demand is heavily skewed toward the PlayStation 5, Xbox Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball stated that the company is “very satisfied” and that the title is “breaking records for Xbox.”

Ball clarified that while absolute numbers may favor PlayStation, the current distribution of pre-orders aligns with Xbox’s existing share of the console market. He noted that the company expects even more records to be broken throughout the fall leading up to the game's scheduled release on November 19, 2026.

Industry analysts continue to monitor the launch, noting the significant difference in hardware user bases between Sony and Microsoft. While PlayStation has reported over 95 million PS5 sales, Xbox Series X|S sales are estimated to be between 30 and 35 million. The launch of GTA 6 is viewed as a critical event for both platforms, with potential to influence hardware acquisition trends.