GTA 6 to be playable early on Xbox, but PlayStation users will miss out

Grand Theft Auto VI’s launch day nears, with the highly anticipated next title in Rockstar Games’ acclaimed franchise set to be released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19.

Although GTA VI is being pitched in its marketing as playing “best on PS5”, it’s actually on Xbox that users will have the advantage come launch day.

GTA VI won’t release simultaneously worldwide as originally suspected, opting for a typical rollout where those in New Zealand will be the first to nab the game as the clock strikes midnight.

Rockstar Games

As you’ve likely already gathered then, gamers across the globe will be changing their console’s region in order to get their hands on GTA VI as early as possible.

While those playing the game on Xbox, though, will be able to step foot in Leonida at the same time as our friends in New Zealand, PlayStation gamers are going to have to sit patiently.

As reported by IGN, those who do change their console region - especially in Central America and Mexico - could get a roughly 20-hour head-start compared to those who don’t.

Here in the UK, by the time we switch to GMT, we’ll be able to get a 13-hour head-start on playing GTA VI after updating our consoles.

GTA VI is due to land in New Zealand first, followed by Australia, Japan, India, Europe and the UK, before arriving in the US to name some of the major territories.

How to change your region on Xbox Series X/S consoles

If you want to play GTA VI at the earliest possible time on Xbox, press the Xbox symbol on your controller to open up the console’s guide.

Select “Profile & System” before selecting “Settings” followed by “System”.

Then you’re going to want to press “Language & Location” where you can choose New Zealand.

“Good morning fellow Kiwis,” joked one Reddit user, while another added, “I’m something of a New Zealander myself.”

Unfortunately, this hack is not available on PlayStation 5. You’d need to create a new account and select New Zealand but you’d then have to purchase GTA VI on that account using New Zealand dollars, which is a little awkward.

Don’t forget that GTA VI is set to drop a preload ahead of launch

Even if you don’t go to the extremes of changing your console region, Rockstar Games is very much aware of how desperate you are to get your hands on GTA VI.

That’s why the game is being made available for preload from November 12 despite not launching until November 19.

This means that you’ll be able to download the game early, allowing you to jump straight in on launch day - if there aren’t any chunky day one patches.

This is available for both digital and ‘physical’ code-in-a-box copies of GTA VI.

When your code-in-a-box copy arrives from November 12, you’ll be able to preload the game but don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll actually get anywhere playing the game; it’ll remain locked until launch day.

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Outside of launch day, it’s true that GTA VI will play best on PlayStation 5.

The game is expected to make full use of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback, speaker, and adaptive triggers to fully immerse you within Jason and Lucia’s tale.

If you have a compatible headset, you’ll also be able to enjoy 3D audio, plus GTA VI will be supported on the PlayStation 5 Pro

All of that being said, I wouldn’t panic if you only have the option to play on Xbox. That’ll likely play just fine too.