GTA 6 Collector's Edition rumors grow as pre-orders leave physical buyers disappointed

GTA 6 pre-orders have failed to satisfy players hoping for tangible bonuses. Yet new chatter suggests a Collector's Edition could be announced before the game's release. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has downplayed the importance of discs, though he hasn't ruled out a physical component.

Currently, buyers can choose a Standard Edition with a code-in-box or a digital copy from the Xbox and PlayStation Store. The Ultimate Edition is digital-only and bundles extra content. Still, a NeoGaf forum user named saintjules hinted that a pricey option with merchandise is in the works.

The hint surfaced during a discussion of the extended GTA 6 look on Netflix, scheduled for August 27. A source for saintjules said the presentation would last roughly 30 minutes. He then noted, "There's also a 3rd edition of the game yet to be announced" and that the long trailer "Would be a good opportunity."

The better-known insider HeisenbergFX4 backed the claim. Known for PS6 handheld leaks, the poster suggested that apparel, such as a hoodie, could be part of a Collector's Edition. Rockstar mimics real-world brands in GTA Online, but some players have pushed for added authenticity.

Ahead of GTA 6 pre-orders, many insiders assumed there would be more than two SKUs. So far, a third option hasn't materialized, and recent remarks from the Take-Two CEO may cast doubt on that possibility.

During an August 7 earnings call, Zelnick addressed the controversy over PlayStation's move away from discs. The CEO noted that 90% of Take-Two's business is digital, arguing that discs "don't really make sense for the consumer." Protesters expecting him to defend physical games blasted the statement.

On the other hand, Zelnick said the publisher might occasionally release physical editions, drawing a comparison to vinyl records. Before Rockstar locked in the game's release date, he claimed the launch would have a strong physical presence. Critics argue that a code-in-box pre-order for Xbox and PS5 doesn't qualify.

It's likely that a limited GTA 6 Collector's Edition still won't include a Blu-ray. Red Dead Redemption 2 offered a pricey version with a box containing keepsakes, but, outside select retailers, it lacked a disc.