Grand Theft Auto 6 will be a timed console exclusive, and one notable difference between the two versions could sway undecided buyers: download codes are region-locked on PlayStation 5 but not on Xbox Series X/S. Since the game will not be released on a physical disc, every copy effectively requires a digital code, meaning PS5 owners must ensure their account region matches the code they buy, while Xbox players can redeem theirs on any account regardless of region. This gives Xbox a practical edge for anyone buying physical retail editions, which contain only a code rather than a disc.

The report follows claims that a PS5 pre-order affiliate link outperformed its Xbox equivalent by eight to one, though Microsoft says this reflected web traffic rather than actual sales, and that Xbox has seen record GTA 6 pre-order numbers. The region restriction is particularly relevant for players wanting a physical box to display, since many collectors still prefer this despite the code-only contents. Retailers have reportedly seen a decline in physical pre-orders as a result, with staff noting that customers increasingly opt for digital purchases instead once they learn of the region-lock complications on PS5.