Xbox executives have dismissed reports that Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are heavily favouring PlayStation 5, saying the game is breaking Xbox records and that the company is pleased with its performance. The issue matters because GTA 6 is expected to be one of the biggest releases of 2026, while Xbox faces falling hardware sales, layoffs, studio closures, subscription changes and few major upcoming hits.

Xbox Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball said internal figures show Xbox’s pre-order share matching its share of the console market, with further records expected during autumn. However, matching market share does not necessarily mean strong sales, particularly if Xbox’s overall share is relatively small; the article also notes that Sony’s prominent marketing, PS5-focused footage and related hardware demand have reinforced the impression that PlayStation is leading anticipation.