The anticipation surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI reached a fever pitch in May 2026, fueled by a widely reported leak suggesting that pre-orders for the highly awaited title would commence on May 18th. An alleged email, purportedly from Best Buy’s affiliate program, circulated online, indicating a promotional campaign for physical copies of GTA VI slated to run from May 18th to May 21st, 2026. This information, initially shared by content creators and corroborated by multiple sources within the affiliate network, sent ripples of excitement through the gaming community.
The Best Buy Leak and Community Reaction
The leaked Best Buy affiliate email detailed a 5% commission rate for creators promoting the ‘GTA 6 Pre Order (Physical Game)’ campaign. This specific detail lent credibility to the leak, as it mirrored the structure of typical affiliate marketing initiatives. Fans quickly latched onto the May 18th date, speculating that Rockstar Games might unveil a new trailer or official announcement to coincide with the pre-order launch, especially with Take-Two Interactive’s quarterly earnings call scheduled shortly after.
Official Pre-Order and Release Details Confirmed
Despite the initial buzz generated by the Best Buy leak, official channels eventually clarified the pre-order timeline. Rockstar Games officially announced that pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI would begin on June 25, 2026. This official date came approximately one month after the leaked date, confirming that while the leak hinted at impending pre-orders, the specific date was inaccurate. The game is set to launch on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
What the Official Launch Entails
The official pre-order campaign, which is now active, offers both a Standard Edition and an Ultimate Edition of Grand Theft Auto VI. All pre-orders include the Vintage Vice City Pack, a collection of in-game items inspired by the series’ iconic neon-soaked aesthetic. Digital pre-orders made through the PlayStation Store or Xbox direct also come with a free month of GTA+. Players who pre-order digital versions will have the added benefit of pre-loading the game starting November 12, 2026, ensuring they can jump into the sprawling state of Leonida immediately upon its global release.
While the Best Buy leak provided a momentary glimpse into the possible pre-order window, it’s the official announcements from Rockstar Games that ultimately confirmed the dates and details for what promises to be one of the most significant game launches in history.
Note: Visuals and original reporting for the initial leak belong to GTANF.
Original source: GTANF. All rights to the original reporting and visuals belong to that source.