Retailer Warns of PS5 and Xbox Stock Shortages Ahead of GTA 6 Launch

June 26, 2026

A games buyer for a major retailer, speaking anonymously to The Game Business, says console supply won’t keep up with GTA 6 demand heading into the holidays:

“We’ve been informed that because of the ongoing issues around hardware component availability, we won’t be getting the units we want ahead of GTA 6. Demand will likely outstrip supply during the year-end period.”

The warning was corroborated by Kotaku, Vice, TechRadar, and Push Square, all citing the same report. The core claim: PS5 and Xbox Series X|S stock could run low right around GTA 6’s November 19 launch window, driven by ongoing hardware component shortages rather than anything Rockstar has done.

Why this matters for pre-orders

• Several outlets, citing third-party retail data, report PS5 pre-orders for GTA 6 are running well ahead of Xbox — though the exact ratio cited (as high as 6:1) comes from an unverified social-media source, so treat the precise number with caution.
• Console shortages would compound an already chaotic pre-order period — see our coverage of GTA 6 pre-orders selling out on Amazon within hours.
• Microsoft has separately confirmed a price increase on Xbox Series X consoles effective August 1, 2026, months before GTA 6 ships — another factor that could push buyers toward PS5 if Xbox stock is also constrained.

Important context

This is a supply-chain warning from a retailer source, not a statement from Sony, Microsoft, or Rockstar. No console maker has confirmed a GTA 6-specific shortage. If you’re planning to buy a new console for launch day, the practical takeaway is the same as always: pre-order early. See Everything We Know for the full confirmed picture on GTA 6’s release.

Source: The Game Business (via Kotaku)