Xbox addresses the hype around GTA 6’s impressive PS5 pre-orders.

Sony has spent the past year promoting Grand Theft Auto 6 as if it were a PlayStation 5 exclusive. While Rockstar’s highly anticipated open-world game will also be available on Xbox and potentially PC, the spotlight has been firmly on PlayStation. With reports suggesting that the PS5 version of GTA 6 is significantly outpacing its rivals, one has to wonder how Xbox executives are reacting to the game’s upcoming launch.

GTA 6 is poised to be a commercial success across all platforms, but the Xbox brand is currently facing challenges. Layoffs, studio consolidations, controversial changes to subscription services, and multiple price increases indicate that Xbox is navigating through a turbulent period. With few major titles on the immediate horizon, the pressure is on for GTA 6 to help bolster the platform as we approach the end of 2026.

The marketing for GTA 6 isn’t doing Xbox any favors either. Rockstar’s trailers and the extended preview on Netflix prominently feature the disclaimer that the footage was captured on PS5. It seems that Sony is pushing GTA 6 more aggressively than its own first-party titles. The excitement surrounding the game has even led to a shortage of PS5 Pro consoles, and the exclusive DualSense controller has become a hot item among scalpers.

Recent reports indicate that pre-orders for GTA 6 are “heavily skewed” toward the PS5, raising further concerns for Xbox’s position in the market.

While Xbox may be feeling the pressure behind the scenes, its leaders are maintaining a confident front. Matthew Ball, Xbox’s Chief Strategy Officer, responded to the reports by stating that the brand is “very happy” with its GTA 6 pre-orders. He claimed that the title is breaking records for Xbox and that their internal analysis shows pre-orders aligning with their share of the console market. An Xbox spokesperson echoed this sentiment earlier in 2026, urging everyone to wait for “real” data post-launch.

Ball’s optimism may have some merit, but it could come with caveats. The gaming industry is currently facing a downturn, and Xbox’s hardware sales are not performing as well as hoped. While GTA 6’s pre-orders might reflect Xbox’s market share, that doesn’t necessarily translate to strong sales on the platform. The real question remains: what is Xbox’s actual market share?

As PlayStation takes center stage this fall, it looks set to leverage GTA 6 for a significant win.