GTA 6 Disappoints Fans With Only Physical Copies Being The Code In The Box
Rockstar has disappointed fans ahead of the pre-orders that will go live for Grand Theft Auto 6, as it turns out that the virtual editions are just boxed codes, rather than containing actual discs.
The video game industry as a whole has been trying to go fully digital for a while now, and even Nintendo seems to be giving in to the temptation with its Game-Key cards, which are boxes that only contain a downloadable game license, rather than the actual title itself. This didn’t help with the death of brick and mortar stores, making it difficult to go out and buy a game on launch day.
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Rockstar had previously announced that pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6 would go live on June 25, 2026. In a surprise update on the official Grand Theft Auto 6 website, new information about pre-orders was revealed, including a big kick in the teeth for physical purists.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Physical Editions Does Not Contain Physical Games
According to Rockstar, “The physical version of Grand Theft Auto 6, which contains a download code inside the box, will be available from November 12 to support preloading.” This ensures that the physical version of Grand Theft Auto 6 will not contain any discs, and is a piece of paper in a plastic box, making it a waste of time.
Rockstar also confirmed that players will be able to pre-download the game from November 12, ensuring they will have plenty of time to get it before launch, preventing any server congestion the day before. A whole week is plenty of time to make sure everyone gets in when they’re ready.
According to Rockstar, “The physical version of Grand Theft Auto 6, which contains a download code inside the box, will be available from November 12 to support preloading.”
Pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6 will start at midnight local time in each region, meaning fans should have an idea of how much the game will cost soon, due to the time zone difference. Australia should know how much Grand Theft Auto 6 will cost first, due to the potential of being in the underworld.
It was also revealed that all pre-orders will come with the Vintage Vice City Pack, which contains Jason and Lucia’s retro outfits. Those who purchase the newly revealed Grand Theft Auto 6: Ultimate Edition will also gain access to premium vehicles, weapons, and clothing throughout the story.
The fact that Grand Theft Auto 6 editions do not have discs is very disappointing, especially for such a great game, as it would have been sold regardless of the versions available. Rockstar must really want to kill the second hand market if there is no way to resell Grand Theft Auto 6 to other people continuously.
If Grand Theft Auto 6 is just a code in a box, what’s the point of buying it, other than a gift for someone? Surely it’s easier to just buy the digital version, so you don’t have the confusion of ordering something from the post office and hoping it won’t be delayed, when you’re left with an empty box?
Hopefully, this decision is only temporary, and practical plans will be introduced in the future. Otherwise, Grand Theft Auto 6 will be locked to people’s digital accounts, for better or worse, and will not be available for resale.
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Grand Theft Auto 6
- Released
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November 19, 2026
- The ESRB
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Rating Pending – Mature 17+
- Engine
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Rockstar Advanced Game Engine (RAGE)
