A growing disparity in early Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders suggests stronger initial demand for the PlayStation 5 version. However, Microsoft’s rewards ecosystem may offer Xbox users a compelling financial advantage, with at least one player reportedly securing the game’s Ultimate Edition without spending any new money.
A $100 Pre-Order Through Rewards Points
A Reddit user shared a pre-order receipt dated June 25 showing a successful purchase of the GTA 6 Ultimate Edition on Xbox, paid for entirely with a Microsoft account balance. The user explained that the $100 transaction was covered by redeeming 100,000 Microsoft Rewards points, accumulated over several years of consistent participation. A separate post from another user tracking their own progress toward the 100,000-point milestone confirmed that reaching this threshold is a long but achievable goal. Once earned, the points can be converted into a $100 Xbox gift card and applied directly toward the game.
How the Xbox Rewards Program Works
Microsoft Rewards allows members to earn points through daily Bing searches, regular use of the Edge browser, and qualifying purchases of games, add-ons, movies, and TV shows via the Microsoft Store. While stacking up 100,000 points requires significant time and effort, even partial redemptions can reduce the cost. Users who reach 25,000 points, for example, can claim a $25 gift card, cutting the price of the Ultimate Edition by a quarter.
A Contrast with Sony’s Program
PlayStation has operated a rewards program as well, but it differs markedly in structure and opportunity. Earning points on Sony’s platform involves fewer free avenues, and the company discontinued its program last year. New applications are no longer being accepted, and current point holders face a redemption deadline: all accumulated points must be used by November of this year. This divergence leaves Xbox players with a longer-term, more accessible path to meaningful discounts on major upcoming releases like Grand Theft Auto VI.
Sources: www.reddit.com, www.reddit.com, rewards.bing.com