GTA 6 has lived in internet jokes and endless speculation for years, but now it’s finally starting to seem real—and not only because of trailers or leaks.
GTA 6 is now listed on Xbox and PlayStation digital stores with a release date of May 26, 2026. This single action could be Rockstar’s clearest sign yet that GTA 6 is staying on track with no more delays.
Before now, the only info players had was a broad “Fall 2025” release window and a few cinematic previews. That unclear message opened the door for rumors and uncertainty, which only got louder after the release was moved to 2026.
However, with the recent wishlist listing and digital placeholder file, Rockstar appears to be saying, "This is it."
Why Is This the Most Telling Move So Far?
Usually, adding a game to a wishlist is not a big deal, but with GTA 6, every little sign matters, and this one feels like solid proof.
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+ 3It was first made wishlistable on PlayStation without much noise, but with Xbox players jumping in, the rollout now feels global, deliberate, and well-orchestrated. The timing shows Rockstar is in the final phase of marketing, setting up pre-orders, pre-loads, and building public awareness.
The listing not only reveals a release date but also lets Xbox users download a 328MB placeholder file that holds no playable content and simply serves as a digital reservation.
This means the full game will start downloading by itself as soon as it’s available. Usually reserved for after a game’s launch date is locked, this backend feature hints that Rockstar has stopped postponing the release.
What Took Xbox So Long to Catch Up?
PlayStation users have been able to wishlist for some time, so people started wondering why Xbox was behind, and it might be due to certification problems or backend publishing delays.
click to enlarge+ 3Some speculated it was related to Sony’s marketing deal, while others pointed to internal delays on Microsoft’s end. Either way, both platforms now show the same May 2026 date. Players have already started downloading the placeholder file through their consoles or the Xbox app.
People expected some early features or menus, but it's just an empty shell with no gameplay and only a sign that the system is booting up.
Even so, hardcore fans get a real thrill just spotting GTA 6 in their library, even if it’s only a tiny 300MB icon. It’s the kind of update that makes the game feel near, even if the release is a year off.
Can We Actually Trust This Date Now?
Rockstar doesn’t toss out exact release dates lightly because when they gave Red Dead Redemption 2 its final date, they delivered on it.
click to enlarge+ 3The same was true for GTA 5. Once a date is embedded into digital storefronts across platforms, especially with file placeholders and tracking systems, it’s harder (and riskier) to change.
The wishlist listing and placeholder setup are signs that pre-orders are coming next, and when money starts changing hands, delays become a much bigger deal. So even though Rockstar hasn’t directly said “there will be no more delays,” this synchronized platform rollout is as close as fans are likely to get to that kind of reassurance.
The next step in this sequence is almost certainly pre-orders, followed by reveals of exclusive bonuses or incentives. Rockstar times these announcements to match pre-order bonuses like vehicles, cosmetics, or early access that give fans a preview of what’s coming.
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