GTA 6 fans appear to be showing an extraordinary willingness to spend more for Rockstar Games’ highly anticipated blockbuster.
According to data from digital intelligence firm Sensor Tower, approximately 89% of early preorders for Grand Theft Auto VI are reportedly for the $99.99 Ultimate Edition, rather than the $79.99 Standard.
The figure is striking because premium editions of major video games typically account for only around 10% to 20% of preorders, according to Karl Kontus, senior vice president and general manager of Video Game Insights at Sensor Tower.
Kontus said he had never previously seen a premium edition capture a share approaching 90% of preorders.
The preference for the more expensive version appears remarkably consistent across consoles. Reports citing the Sensor Tower data indicate that approximately 90% of Xbox buyers are choosing the Ultimate Edition, compared with about 88.5% of PlayStation buyers.
That means that for every 10 early buyers, roughly nine are reportedly willing to spend an additional $20 for the premium version.
Why are fans choosing the $100 version?
The Ultimate Edition offers additional in-game content beyond the standard release, including exclusive vehicles, weapons, clothing and locations, giving longtime fans another incentive to pay the premium
The unusually high preorder percentage may also reflect the type of customer buying the game this far ahead of launch.
The earliest buyers are likely to include some of the franchise's most dedicated fans — players who have been waiting more than a decade for the next mainline Grand Theft Auto title and are less concerned about paying an additional $20.
Take-Two Interactive executives have similarly suggested that early preorder customers are likely to be among the most enthusiastic fans of the franchise.
However, the 89% figure should not necessarily be interpreted as a prediction that 89% of all eventual buyers will purchase the Ultimate Edition.
As the November 19, 2026 release date approaches, more casual players are expected to enter the market, potentially bringing the ratio closer to the traditional split between standard and premium editions.
A massive launch is expected