Claims GTA 6 is selling 8 times as many copies on PS5 as Xbox "doesn't represent pre-order data", insists Microsoft

Microsoft has refuted claims that its rival system, the PlayStation 5, is outselling the Xbox edition of Grand Theft Auto 6, claiming that the figure "doesn't represent pre-order data" and insisting "we've had record orders".

Yesterday (27th June), IGN tweeted that according to its community, players were eight times more likely to have pre-ordered the game on PS5 than on Xbox Series X/S.

In a response to Windows Central, however, Microsoft hit back at the claim, insisting the data collated via IGN's Finds' and commerce affiliate linking program was not representative and suggesting we wait for "real data".

“This doesn't represent pre-order data. We've had record orders. People should wait for real data and not clicks on affiliate links," Microsoft said in a statement.

It's been a busy week for GTA 6-related news. Pre-orders went live in the week and we finally got a price, too. But there was outrage around reports there will be no disc in the physical edition, only a download code, a decision many think hints at wider plans to crush second-hand sales and prompting a debate about game ownership. We also got a batch of new screenshots detailing exclusive Ultimate Edition shops, missions, cars, and outfits in the game.

Yesterday, another new report cast doubt on hopes that a physical version of Grand Theft Auto 6 will follow the digital release later this year. While some insisted that a proper physical edition with a disc would launch in December, The Hollywood Reporter sources insisted this isn't true, stressing that "the language [from a Rockstar email] is being misinterpreted by a hopeful internet".

GTA 6 releases on November 19th for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X.