GTA 6: Physical PS5 Boxes With Codes Have Already Appeared At Retailers

The box is here, the disc is missing: Shortly before the launch of GTA 6, the first physical PS5 copies have appeared at retailers. According to Polygon, Rockstar Games has sent the code-in-box editions to stores so they can deliver to pre-order customers on time.

What's inside the GTA 6 box for PS5?

Photos of a shrink-wrapped PS5 version appeared on a GTA 6 subreddit, reportedly posted by a German retailer employee, according to Kotaku. Visible: a white label around a transparent blue case. A warning on the cover makes it clear that there is no disc in the box. Instead, it contains a code that allows you to download the game digitally. You will need an internet connection for this.

The Reddit user has since deleted the thread and their account. Kotaku suspects they are afraid the leak could be traced back to them.

Deliveries are also said to have arrived at MediaMarkt in Germany. According to Polygon, the retailer showed the physical edition in its Instagram Stories. An employee also shared a close-up of the packaging with the official game description, screenshots of Jason, Lucia, and Leonida, as well as labels like “Online Support” and “In-Game Purchases.” The pre-order poster was also visible.

When do preload and sales of the physical edition begin?

The dates according to Polygon and Kotaku at a glance:

• November 10: Preload for digital purchases in the PS5 and Xbox Series X stores, starting at midnight according to Polygon.
• November 12: Retailers are allowed to sell the code-in-box edition and distribute it to pre-order customers. The preload for the boxed version will only be available on Thursday, according to Polygon.
• November 19: Official launch of GTA 6.

So, those who pick up the box will have it a week before launch. Kotaku notes that Take-Two's decision against a disc also curbs leaks from broken street dates or stolen copies from warehouses. It wasn't entirely airtight, however, as the photos show.

In related news: Just a few days ago, Rockstar released almost 40 new screenshots. In Germany, the hype is so immense that there's even educational leave for the launch, though only for 60 people.

Is this the beginning of the end for discs?

Kotaku views GTA 6 as an initial test run for the disc-less future that Sony has promised starting in 2028. It's conceivable that other publishers will similarly rely on codes in boxes to maintain a retail presence. For collectors, this means empty boxes instead of data carriers. The practical catch for you: The box does not replace a download. You'll need console storage space and a stable internet connection before you can start playing. Our tip: Redeem the code as soon as you have the box so the preload can begin on time.

It will be interesting to see if retailers manage to keep things under wraps until launch. More photos from stores are quite possible until November 12, as that's when the boxes officially hit the shelves.

Official game information can be found on the Rockstar Games website.

Source: Polygon, Kotaku

Will you get GTA 6 as a box with a code or prefer it directly digital?