Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch this November and will likely be the largest video game release of the year and possibly of the last decade. And if you wondered if the game skipping physical discs at launch and charging $100 for a version that includes extra in-game stores and clothing would perhaps hurt GTA 6′s chances of being one of the biggest launches in history, new pre-order data seems to indicate that ain’t the case.
In a new report from Tweaktown, the outlet shared data gathered from publicly available sales charts on the PlayStation Store website which it used to track how well Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are doing in the United States and other parts of the world. The short answer: Very, very well. And interestingly, it’s the $100 Ultimate Edition that is doing the best. According to the report, the data shows that as of July 20, the $100 version of GTA 6 is the top pre-ordered game in nine global territories, including the United States, Canada, the UK, France, and Japan.
GTA 6‘s base game is $80, which is already more than the usual $60 and $70 price tags you’ll find on most games in 2026. But earlier this month, Rockstar and Take-Two revealed a $100 digital deluxe edition of Grand Theft Auto 6 that includes access to in-game stores, exclusive weapon skins, garages, and other content that those who opt for the $80 version will be locked out of.
Many online have complained that this $100 version of the game is the real version, and that players buying the cheaper edition aren’t getting the full game. Despite those complaints, it is this $100 version of GTA 6 that is topping the pre-order charts across the globe on PlayStation.
“One of the broader trends in console gaming over the past decade is how growth is coming from increased player spend, not increased players,” explained Niko Partners director of research and insights Daniel Ahmad on Twitter. “The core console gamer loves ultimate editions, higher PS+ / Game Pass tiers, spending on DLC / MTX, buying a Pro console, etc.”
This is seemingly backed up by more data from Tweaktown, which also noted that the higher-priced editions of games like Halo: Campaign Evolved and Wolverine were charting higher on pre-order charts than the standard, cheaper editions of these same games. In some cases, that’s because these versions promise “early access,” though keep in mind that paid early access is actually just the cheaper version of the game being delayed for those not willing to pay the publisher’s ransom fee.
The big takeaway seems to be that despite all the yelling and online pushback that companies like Sony and Rockstar have received for ditching physical media and raising prices, a large chunk of gamers don’t seem to care and are ready to fork over $80+ or more for digital games if they get early access, extra content, and more in exchange for that higher price. If your job is to make money selling video games, that probably sounds good. For the rest of us…Yikes.
🕹️ Level up your inbox
Don’t miss the latest reviews, news and tips. Sign up for our free newsletter.
