Rockstar Games has finally opened pre-orders for perhaps the most anticipated game in recent years, Grand Theft Auto VI, although this announcement came with a curious reveal – that physical copies of the game will not even include a disc, just a download code.
While Grand Theft Auto VI is already up for pre-orders on the PlayStation and Xbox stores, those looking to snag the physical copies of the game in order to reduce the need to download data might be disappointed, as Rockstar has confirmed that they will just be empty boxes with a code.
“The physical version of Grand Theft Auto VI, containing a download code inside the box, will be available starting 12 November 2026 to support pre-loading,” read a press release from parent company Take-Two. On the flipside, this does mean that physical copies will be available earlier, so those with slower internet speeds can use this time to pre-load the game ahead of launch, although judging by how massive game install sizes are these days, they might be in for a long wait.
Rockstars’ move mirrors the trend taken by other gaming studios of late, ditching conventional discs even in their physical copies for download codes. Nintendo also controversially went a similar direction with some of their Nintendo Switch 2 console exclusives, with physical copies of certain titles containing virtual Game-Key cards instead of a physical game card. While this move was made seemingly to curb reselling, it also restricts players from sharing their physical game copies with their friends or family, as the code would be tied specifically to their account.
At least, with the opening of pre-orders, Grand Theft Auto VI seems to have finally locked in a release date after years of delays. In addition to the base edition of the game, its Ultimate Edition packs a bunch of extra goodies such as an exclusive collection of vehicles, weapons and apparel, while those who pre-order the game will receive the Vintage Vice City cosmetic pack.
Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on 19 November 2026 for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.
