GTA 6 gets upstaged as PS2 remaster announces physical disc edition

Grand Theft Auto VI has been upstaged by a beloved PS2 game from 22 years ago, which is getting a physical edition while Rockstar Games' highly anticipated sequel still won't have a disc. Pre-orders for this physical edition begin in November, the same month GTA VI is scheduled to launch.

We're so close to the next entry in Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto series that we can almost smell it. Well, not quite, because although GTA VI is getting a physical edition, it'll come with a download code instead of a disc. That means no freshly opened game case with a disc and nostalgic instruction manual just yet.

However, fans will be able to enjoy that feeling with Shrek 2 Remastered, bringing back the beloved 2004 game originally released on PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube. While Game Boy Advance and mobile versions also existed, they offered a different experience from the main console versions.

Shrek 2 Remastered physical edition pre-orders begin in November

“Shrek 2 Remastered physical preorders begin Nov 10th,” tweeted X user Wario64, sharing an image of a post from the game's publisher, Aspyr.

“It's pretty depressing that knowing a game is getting a physical release comes as a bonus nowadays,” replied GenerallEXE.

“I’m actually shocked this is getting a physical copy,” declared YeezyTatum.

“Wait, the game is getting a physical disc?” added Roy9637, sharing an “awesome” GIF of Will Ferrell.

To be fair, Aspyr has a habit of releasing physical editions for its remasters, as we've seen with the recent Tomb Raider remastered collections, as well as Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered.

Shrek 2 Remastered, Aspyr Media

• PLAYSTATION PRE-ORDER: PlayStation UK | Walmart | Amazon UK | Amazon US
• XBOX PRE-ORDER: GAME UK | Loaded | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Walmart

Why GTA 6's physical edition won't include a disc

At this time, Rockstar Games hasn't publicly explained why it's opting for a download code instead of a disc for GTA VI's physical edition. That means we can only speculate about the reasons behind the decision.

One possibility is that the format could help prevent physical copies from leaking ahead of launch, potentially revealing story details and gameplay before Rockstar is ready. However, this remains speculation, and the game has already suffered several leaks over the years, including incidents involving unauthorised access to sensitive data.

READ MORE: 12 famous GTA 5 voice actors you probably didn't realise were in the game

Another possible reason is the second-hand market. Physical discs can be resold, traded in or lent to friends, whereas a download code can only be redeemed once. Once redeemed, it doesn't offer the same resale options as a physical disc.

Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Rockstar Games has yet to officially announce a PC version.

As for Shrek 2 Remastered, it launches digitally on November 10, 2026, for PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch, with physical pre-orders opening on the same day.