Microsoft Denies PS5 Dominating GTA 6 Pre-Orders Over Xbox
Grand Theft Auto 6 is officially launching on November 19, 2026. However, the upcoming release has somehow intensified what has always been an intense console rivalry, forcing Microsoft to publicly refute claims that PS5 GTA 6 pre-orders are overwhelmingly outperforming Xbox Series X|S.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft has officially denied rumors claiming PlayStation 5 is outselling Xbox Series X/S pre-orders for GTA 6 by an 8-to-1 margin.
- The viral sales ratio originated solely from IGN’s internal affiliate link tracking, which measures web traffic rather than completed retail transactions.
- Microsoft confirmed they are actually experiencing record pre-orders for the title, advising players to wait for audited launch data.
Early narratives surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6 suggest the PlayStation 5 is dominating Xbox Series X|S pre-orders by a remarkable 8-to-1 margin.
This figure comes from IGN, which stated on X that its commerce affiliate linking program was showing PS5 was significantly outperforming Xbox sales.
However, Microsoft quickly addressed the viral rumors, issuing a direct statement to Windows Central calling out IGN’s data, stating: ‘This doesn’t represent pre-order data. We’ve had record orders. People should wait for real data and not clicks on affiliate links.’
👉 READ ALSO: Rockstar Games Confirms GTA 6 Standard and Ultimate Edition Prices
Are PS5 GTA 6 Pre-Orders Really Outselling Xbox 8-to-1?
The widely circulated 8-to-1 sales ratio originated entirely from IGN’s internal affiliate link tracking, not from audited global sales figures.
Microsoft has refuted this narrative, asserting that these isolated clicks do not reflect actual pre-order numbers for Xbox Series X|S or PS5.
An affiliate click simply indicates that a reader clicked a specific link on a website. It does not guarantee a purchase was made, nor does it account for direct digital sales through the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store.
Microsoft’s statement has clarified that the company is experiencing record orders for the title. Extrapolating total global sales from a single media outlet’s commerce traffic creates a heavily skewed perspective of the console market.
How Does Affiliate Data Compare to Actual Retail Metrics?
While standard editions of the game are expected to cost around $80, actual transaction volume cannot be measured by link clicks alone.
Affiliate data is inherently filtered by the specific audience of a publishing site, whereas retail metrics track definitive, completed global purchases.
True retail metrics involve actual verified purchases through global retailers and digital storefronts. Until these numbers are audited and published, affiliate tracking remains a proxy measurement rather than a definitive industry verdict.
Waiting for Official Launch Data
Until Rockstar Games or Take-Two Interactive releases official sales figures, all platform breakdown numbers remain highly speculative. The current data simply measures isolated internet traffic, not confirmed consumer transactions.
Players tracking the game’s market performance should wait for audited launch data rather than relying on early proxy measurements.
Fueled by a passion for gaming and the ever-evolving world of gaming news, Daniel loves connecting with seasoned and new players to bring games to life on the page, exploring their narratives and gaming trends. A self-published fiction and fantasy author, Daniel has nearly 20 years of experience writing gaming news and a love for storytelling that drives his enthusiasm to deliver breaking news, in-depth analysis, and industry innovations. You will find him in-game as "Windfell."
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