Tag: Best Buy

  • Nothing Gets Wider US Availability at Best Buy

    Nothing Gets Wider US Availability at Best Buy

    Key Takeaway

    – Nothing products are now available at over 500 Best Buy stores across the US.
    – The expansion includes both in-store and online purchases via Best Buy’s website.
    – Products like the Phone (4a) Pro, Phone (3), and Ear (3) are available, but CMF sub-brand items are not.
    – Carl Pei called the move a major step in Nothing’s US expansion, following a similar rollout in Canada last year.

    NothingExpands to Best Buy Across the US

    Nothing sells a lot of its products through its own website and Amazon but if you want to buy tech stuff at a normal store you can now do that for Nothings products too. Mashable reported that Nothing phones and headphones can now be bought at Best Buy stores in America. The store has over 500 locations so its a good chance for people to try Nothing products before buying them.

    What You Can Buy In Store and Online

    Besides being in stores, you can also buy Nothing products like the Phone (4a) Pro, Phone (3), Ear (3), Ear (a), Headphone (1), and Headphone (a) on Best Buys website. But stuff from Nothings CMF brand such as the CMF Watch 3 Pro which costs $99 on Amazon is not sold at Best Buy. So if you want the CMF stuff you gotta go somewhere else for that.

    Carl Pei Confirms the US Expansion

    Carl Pei posted on X and said this is a big step for Nothing in the US market. It turns out Nothing also started selling in Best Buy Canada stores last year so doing the same in the US makes alot of sense. Nothing is also planning to launch new earbuds called the Nothing Ear (3a) and while the release date isnt announced yet we think they will be in the US too so buyers can get them at Best Buy.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,

  • Deal: 3.2K OLED Lenovo Laptop, Core Ultra 9, RTX 5060

    Key Takeaway

    – Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition with RTX 5060 is discounted to $1,699 (23% off $2,199 MSRP)
    – Features a 16-inch 3200×2000 OLED display with 120Hz refresh and 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness
    – Includes Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, 32GB soldered DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, and WiFi 7
    – Strengths: high performance, accurate colors, aluminum chassis, and good speakers
    – Weaknesses: PWM flickering, soldered RAM, and loud fans in performance mode

    Get the full lowdown on this deal

    The vast majority of PC users wont be able to afford a maxed-out ThinkPad P16 Gen 3, which doesnt mean that decent high-end laptops have to cost more than $2,000. In fact, many users with multimedia workloads could probably be very happy with a machine such as the currently discounted Lenovo Yoga Pro 9.

    Pricing and specification details

    Fittingly, the American electronics retailer Best Buy has marked down the Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition with the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H and soldered 32GB DDR5 RAM as well as an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 graphics card to $1,699 including free store pickup where stock permits. This configuration carries an official MSRP of $2,199, so this discount amounts to $500 or 23% relative to that.

    What this screen can really do

    As for the aforementioned multimedia workloads, this 16-inch laptop sports a fantastic tandem OLED display with 3200 x 2000 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate and very high peak HDR brightness of 1,600 nits according to the manufacturer. A 1TB SSD and WiFi 7 module are also onboard, as are two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1 and an SD card reader.

    Our testing shows mixed results

    We tested two different model variants of the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16 G10 Aura Edition, which is why prospective buyers should make sure to read our review of the RTX 5060 version as well as the RTX 5070 SKU. The former has the same GPU as the notebook thats on sale here, while the latter was equipped with the same Intel processor and OLED display. Our hands-on video is also worth checking out.

    What we liked and what we didn’t

    Overall, the 16-inch Yoga Pro 9 impressed us with its high performance, and an excellent screen with accurate colors. We also liked the aluminum chassis and speakers, the same applies to the input devices. However, the OLED panel shows the usual PWM flickering, the RAM is soldered and the laptop can get quite loud in performance mode. None of this changes the fact that the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i G10 Aura Edition is a well-rounded multimedia machine thats arguably worth considering in the sub-$2,000 price segment.

    • Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 285H
    • RAM: 32GB soldered DDR5
    • GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060
    • Display: 16-inch tandem OLED, 3200×2000, 120Hz, 1600 nits HDR peak
    • Storage: 1TB SSD
    • Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, SD card reader
    • Wireless: WiFi 7
    • Original MSRP: $2,199
    • Sale price: $1,699 at Best Buy
    • Discount: $500 (23% off)
    Sources
      Tags: , , , , ,
    • Deal: 2026 Acer Swift Go 16 AI OLED Laptop 30% Off

      Deal: 2026 Acer Swift Go 16 AI OLED Laptop 30% Off

      Key Takeaway

      – 30% discount brings the Acer Swift Go 16 AI to $699.99, offering excellent price/performance.
      – Features a 16-inch 1920×1200 OLED touch display with 100% DCI-P3 coverage.
      – Powered by a 6-core Intel Panther Lake CPU, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB of swappable storage.
      – Offers up to 20 hours of web browsing battery life with a 71 WH battery.
      – Key drawback: 250-nit display brightness is insufficient for outdoor or bright lighting use.

      You wont believe the deal on this Acer laptop

      The Acer Swift Go 16 AI got refreshed at CES 2026 with the latest Intel Panther Lake APUs, a big 71 WH battery, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and an OLED display. Six months after it’s first showing, the Acer Swift Go 16 AI SFG16-I71T is now on sale at a great price, as Best Buy is offering the laptop at a 30% discount right now.

      Here is what you get for only $699.99

      Now coming in at only $699.99, the Acer Swift Go 16 AI boasts excellent price/performance. It packs a 6-core Core Ultra 5 322 Panther Lake SoC, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage, which you can swap out for a bigger drive down the line. This is seriously a lot of machine for the money if you ask me.

      Around the front, the Acer Swift Go 16 AI rocks a 16-inch 1,920 x 1,200 OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 coverage and touch support. There is a 5 MP webcam on top of the display with a privacy shutter. The front of the chassis is rounded off by a backlit keyboard and a large glass trackpad protected by Corning Gorilla Glass.

      Ports you get and ports you dont

      Ports-wise, we are looking at:

      • Two Thunderbolt 4 ports
      • One HDMI port
      • Two USB-A ports
      • One headphone jack

      There is no SD or microSD card reader. So, you’ll want to buy a 3rd-party dongle from online if you need that.

      Why is this laptop so cheap now?

      So, the Acer Swift Go 16 AI is a lot of laptop for just $699.99. We have no doubt that this is a consequence of the MacBook Neo and the upcoming crop of affordable Windows laptops like the Dell XPS 13, which also starts at $699.99. This is a huge win for Windows laptop customers who, for the longest time, had been getting notebooks that compromised on quality in the name of affordability.

      Battery life and performance for everyday use

      While not a powerhouse by any means, the Acer Swift Go 16 AI with the 6-core Core Ultra 5 322 and 16 GB of RAM will get the job done in day-to-day tasks. Acer also claims up to 20 hours of web browsing battery life. There is no reason to doubt Acer’s claims, as the Intel Panther Lake chips are quite energy efficient and should provide solid runtime.

      Not all is good with the Acer Swift Go 16 AI, however. The 16-inch touch-sensitive OLED display can only reach 250 nits of brightness. While this is plenty for indoor use, it is woefully insufficient for use outdoors or under direct heavy lighting. The Apple MacBook Neo does so much better here with a 500-nit IPS panel, but that also costs more.

      Final thoughts on this Windows laptop value

      All in all, if you are in the market for an affordable Windows laptop that covers all the bases, the Acer Swift Go 16 AI on sale is a superb value. You get the newest Panther Lake chip, a nice OLED screen with touch, and a huge battery for under seven hundred dollars. This is hard to beat right now.

      Sources
      Tags: , , , ,
    • Deal: HP OmniBook 3 Laptop Under $600 with 16GB & 2K Touch

      Deal: HP OmniBook 3 Laptop Under $600 with 16GB & 2K Touch

      Key Takeaway

      – HP OmniBook 3 14 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is on sale for $549.99 at Best Buy.
      – Offers better RAM (16GB), storage (512GB), and battery (60Wh) than the $599 MacBook Neo (8GB/256GB/36.5Wh).
      – Features a 1600p touch display, replaceable storage, and good port selection for the price.
      – MacBook Neo wins on build quality, display quality, and single-core performance.
      – Best for users needing an affordable, long-lasting Windows laptop with adequate daily performance.

      The HP OmniBook 3 14 with an 8-core Snapdragon X X1-26-100 SoC, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage is currently retailing for $549.99 at Best Buy. Best Buy claims that this new price is $400 less than the $949.99 “Comparable Value”. We don’t think you should pay any attention to this $949.99 figure, as the HP OmniBook 3 14 is not a laptop of that price range.

      What do we know about the specs?

      What we do know, however, is that the $549.99 price of the HP OmniBook 3 is arguably excellent. In addition to the 16 GB RAM and 512 GB of replaceable storage, the laptop also carries a 1600p touch-sensitive display, a fairly large 60 Wh battery, and a good port selection.

      There are:

      • Two Type-C ports
      • One USB-A port
      • A headphone jack
      • An HDMI output

      These are pretty good specs for a $549.99 Windows laptop, and, in some areas, beat the MacBook Neo. For instance, the $599 MacBook Neo only comes with soldered 8 GB of RAM, a non-replaceable 256 GB SSD, only two Type-C ports, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

      How does the battery compare?

      It has been quite clear since the launch of the Apple MacBook Neo that there are hardly any Windows laptops that can compete with the MacBook Neo at $600. Windows laptop OEMs have finally recognized this, and MacBook Neo competitors like the Dell XPS 13 are on the way. In the meantime, if you need a super affordable Windows laptop right now that doesn’t suck, take a look at the HP OmniBook 3 14 that is now on sale at Best Buy.

      The MacBook Neo also has a small 36.5 Wh battery, which delivers good but not great results. With a power efficiency Snapdragon X1-26-100 SoC and a 60 Wh cell, HP claims the OmniBook 3 will last over 20 hours when streaming media online.

      Are their any downsides?

      That said, the MacBook Neo is a clearly better option when it comes to build quality, display quality, and single-core performance.

      Long story short, if all you need is a portable Windows laptop that has adequate performance for daily tasks, long battery life, and won’t become outdated quickly due to low RAM and storage, the HP OmniBook 3 14 on sale is currently a pretty good option.

      Sources
      Tags: , , , ,
    • MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Handheld Listed on Best Buy at $899 with 1TB

      MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Handheld Listed on Best Buy at $899 with 1TB

      Key Takeaway

      – MSI’s Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM is listed at $1,699.99 on Best Buy, higher than the earlier ~$1,500 estimate.
      – It features Intel’s new Arc G3 Extreme chip (Panther Lake) with a 14-core CPU and 12-core Arc B390 iGPU.
      – The device includes 32 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe SSD, an 8-inch 1200p 120 Hz display, and an 80 Wh battery.
      – Connectivity offers Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, two Thunderbolt 4.0 ports, a microSD slot, and a 3.5 mm jack.
      – The listing shows no confirmed release date or reviews, suggesting imminent but not yet live availability.

      MSI’s New Gaming Handheld Price Leaks Online

      MSI’s latest gaming handheld has just shown up on Best Buy ahead of any formal sale date, giving us the clearest picture yet of what the Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM will actually cost — and it is higher than earlier estimates suggested.

      Pricing and Configuration Details Confirmed

      The listing prices the device at $1,699.99, coming in above the ~$1,500 figure that had been making rounds prior to launch. The Best Buy page also confirms one previously unspecified detail: storage. The unit listed is the CG3EM-024US variant, which ships with a 1 TB NVMe SSD alongside 32 GB of RAM.

      • Price: $1,699.99
      • Storage: 1 TB NVMe SSD
      • Memory: 32 GB RAM
      • Model variant: CG3EM-024US

      Arc G3 Chip and Performance Specifications

      For those catching up, the Claw 8 EX AI+ CG3EM is MSI’s first handheld built around Intel’s new Arc G3 Extreme chip — part of the Panther Lake family unveiled on May 30. The processor packs a 14-core CPU (2P + 8E + 4LPE) and a 12-core Arc B390 iGPU with Xe3 architecture which brings multi-frame generation support that wasn’t possible on earlier Claw hardware.

      Display, Battery and Connectivity Features

      The 8-inch display runs at 1920×1200 with variable refresh rate up to 120 Hz, and a 80 Wh battery handles power duties. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, two Thunderbolt 4.0 ports, a microSD slot, and a 3.5 mm jack. The hole thing weighs in at 785 g.

      Market Positioning and Release Timing

      MSI joins Acer and OneXPlayer as one of the first OEMs to ship Arc G3-powered hardware. The Best Buy listing shows no confirmed ship date yet and carries no reviews, which could only mean that availability is imminent but not live. MSI has not officially announced pricing.

      Sources
      Tags: , , , , ,
    • Xbox Elite Series 2 Core: 3 New Colors at Best Buy

      Xbox Elite Series 2 Core: 3 New Colors at Best Buy

      Key Takeaway

      – Three new color variants of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core (Red/Blue, Red/White, Green/Red) launch on June 8, 2026.
      – The new controllers are priced at $149.99 and are already listed on Best Buy.
      – The “Core” version is a cheaper alternative ($149.99 vs. $199.99) that omits the charging dock, paddle set, extra thumbsticks, extra D-pad, and carrying case.
      – Custom designs are also available via Xbox Design Lab, but at a higher price than the standard colors.

      New Color Options for Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 – Core

      Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core is available to buy in three colors — Blue, Red, and White. Buyers can also create their own design using Xbox Design Lab, albeit for a higher price. Now, three new colors will be available to buy later this month. These fresh options include Red and Blue, Red and White, and Green and Red combos.

      Pricing and Availabilty at Best Buy

      All three colors are already listed on Best Buy and carry a $149.99 price tag. Best Buy also says the controllers will be available to buy starting on the 8th of June 2026. This is the same price as the standard Core edition, so no extra cost for the new colorways. They will be sold exclusively through Best Buy at launch.

      Core Version vs. Full Elite Series 2

      The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core is a cheaper version of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. The only difference is that the Core version doesn’t come with a charging dock, paddle set, additional thumbsticks, an additional D-pad, and a carrying case. If you want all of these accessories along with the Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, then you will have to shell out $199.99. This makes the Core a good entry point for players wanting pro features on a budget.

      Why Choose the Core Model?

      For gamers who already own accessories like thumbsticks and a case, the Core edition saves you $50. You still get the same adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks. The only downside is youll need to buy extra parts seperately if you want the full experience. But for many, the Core setup is enough for competitive play.

      • Colors: Red & Blue, Red & White, Green & Red
      • Price: $149.99 at Best Buy
      • Release date: June 8, 2026
      • Core lacks: charging dock, paddles, extra sticks, D-pad, case
      • Full Elite Series 2 costs $199.99

      Final Thoughts on the New Colors

      These new combos add some much-needed variety to the Core lineup. The red and blue scheme is pretty striking, while the green and red gives a seasonal feel. Players who want a unique look might prefer the Design Lab option, but for $149.99 these pre-made designs are a solid choice. Just remember to order early if you want one on June 8th.

      Sources
      Tags: , , , ,
    • Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M5: $150 Off at Multiple Retailers

      Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M5: $150 Off at Multiple Retailers

      Key Takeaway

      – The 15.3-inch MacBook Air with the M5 chip offers strong performance and up to 18 hours of battery life, making it a solid long-term choice for light-to-medium use and light creative work.
      – It’s currently discounted to $1,149 (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) at Best Buy and Amazon, with similar savings on 1TB and 2TB variants.
      – Notable features include a 12MP Center Stage webcam with Desk View, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a high-quality 2880×1864 Liquid Retina display, and a sturdy, familiar 2022-era chassis.

      Introduction to the MacBook Air M5 15-inch deal

      If you’re not a fan of Apple’s latest MacBook Neo with its crippling memory offering, then your best bet in terms of longevity is Apple’s entry-level 15.3-inch MacBook Air with the M5 chip, which trades at a significantly higher price tag, but a recent discount might make things simpler.

      Current pricing and availability

      Currently, this fifth-generation Apple silicon MacBook Air configuration with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD is on sale at Best Buy and Amazon for $1,149, a neat $150 off its original ask of $1,299. The price cut also also seems to extend across the board with the same discount on 1TB and 2TB variants of the same MacBook model with multiple retailers.

      Who should consider this MacBook Air

      It’s easily one of the best entry-level MacBooks to get if you’re a light-to-medium user who’s looking to do daily tasks, schoolwork, and light creative workflows without breaking the bank. To make the deal even sweeter, the MacBook Air is available with free shipping in many regions, depending on your location. Furthermore, it’s available in four colorways: Midnight, Silver, Sky Blue, and Starlight.

      Why the base M5 model matters

      So, why should you go with the base 15-inch MacBook Air with the M5 chip in the first place? The M5 MacBook Air features an impressive design and delivers performance approaching that of M‑series Pro-level chips in a larger 15-inch form factor. It also happens to be a fairly recent release with the updated SKU available since March 2026.

      Technical performance

      The M5 MacBook Air features an M5 chip with a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU (base models are 8-core), a noticeable step up from last year’s M4-based Air. Apple claims the M5 MacBook Air delivers up to 11% faster single-core performance with similar multi-core performance, while the GPU can offer up to 30% greater performance in supported workloads.

      Everyday use case

      For everyday users looking for a snappy laptop that instantly opens and runs multiple Safari tabs, plays back videos for long hours, and handles Zoom calls and light video editing in apps like Adobe Premiere without getting uncomfortably hot to the touch, this is a compelling option.

      Display, battery, and exterior

      As for battery life, the MacBook Air with the M5 chip is rated for up to 18 hours of use and features a crisp Liquid Retina display with a peak brightness of 500 nits and a 2880 x 1864 resolution panel.

      Design notes

      However, for those looking to get a large aesthetic upgrade, it is worth noting that Apple hasn’t significantly updated the MacBook Air’s exterior design since 2022, which isn’t exactly an issue; the existing chassis is already sturdy and attractive, and one could argue the obvious: if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.

      Connectivity and camera

      Connectivity options are ample, with the MacBook Air offering two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack, which some may find pleasantly surprising for a modern ultraportable. The webcam is sharper than many mainstream laptop offerings, thanks to its 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View. For a detailed review, check out our coverage of the new MacBook Air M5 here.

      Important note

      Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.

       

      Sources
      Tags: , , , ,
    • GTA 6 Pre-Orders Won’t Start Today at Best Buy (Leak)

      GTA 6 Pre-Orders Won’t Start Today at Best Buy (Leak)

      Key Takeaway

      – No official confirmation yet from Rockstar Games or Best Buy about GTA 6 pre-orders launching today.
      – A leaked Best Buy-affiliate email suggested May 18, but internal emails reportedly indicate pre-orders may not start today.
      – Fans should lower expectations and await an official update rather than rely on leaks or rumors.

      GTA 6 Pre-Order Update: What We Know So Far

      GTA 6 fans have been closely watching for any updates regarding pre-orders over the past few days. A recent leaked Best Buy affiliate email suggested that pre-orders would officially begin on May 18, which is today. Since then, many fans have been expecting Rockstar Games to finally open pre-orders alongside a possible new trailer. However, it seems like pre-orders might not be going live today after all.

      Questionable Sources and Cautious Hopes

      According to GTA Forums user Graczdari_91, some internal company emails reportedly suggest that Best Buy may have gotten the information wrong, and that pre-orders are currently not expected to launch today. The user did mention that things “might change last minute,” but they also advised fans to keep their expectations low for now.

      Private Email Verification Sparks Debate

      The internal emails were not publicly shared online. Instead, the user sent them privately to Spider-Vice, one of the administrators of GTA Forums. Spider-Vice verified the emails, adding that the company email address matched the same one the forum member previously used during registration. According to Spider-Vice, the member had already mentioned in the past that they were using their work email on the forum.

      Official Confirmation Still Pending

      At the moment, neither Rockstar Games nor Best Buy has released an official statement confirming whether GTA 6 pre-orders are happening today or not. Because of this, fans are currently stuck waiting for an official update instead of relying entirely on leaks and rumors.

      Sources
      Tags: , , , ,
    • GTA 6 Best Buy Pre-Order Leak Adds $2B to Publisher Valuation

      GTA 6 Best Buy Pre-Order Leak Adds $2B to Publisher Valuation

      Key Takeaway

      – Leaked Best Buy email sparked a stock jump (~5–10%), adding about $2B in market value for Take-Two on May 14, 2026.
      – The email outlined a May 18–21, 2026 physical GTA VI pre-order promo with a 5% influencer commission, later corroborated by multiple affiliates.
      – GTA VI pre-orders are expected to begin May 18, 2026, with a targeted November 19, 2026 launch; Q4 2026 earnings call on May 21 may reveal more.
      – Hype is at an all-time high; Strauss Zelnick describes the situation as exciting yet terrifying, with no official pre-order date or public statement yet.

      The ongoing hype for Grand Theft Auto VI is surging to new highs as Rockstar Games’ sixth mainline entry in the franchise is shaping up to be one of the biggest video game launches in history. Even the mere rumor that fans might be able to pre-order the game soon has already sent tremors through Wall Street. On Thursday, May 14, 2026, Rockstar Games and GTA VI publisher Take-Two Interactive saw their shares jump roughly between 5% and 10% in a single day, adding about $2 billion to the company’s market value. The reason for this was a small blip, a leaked email, from Best Buy that gave insights into pre-order details for the physical edition of Grand Theft Auto VI. Take-Two’s stock had been hovering between $216 and $230 earlier in the week. After the pre-order email leak became public, the stock price climbed to more than $240 per share. The email was sent to affiliate partners and included a brief promotional window for “GTA 6 Pre-Order (Physical Game)” running between May 18 and May 21, 2026, with a 5% commission for influencers who drove sales. While this seemed too good to be true, multiple affiliate partners later shared screenshots online, and reports confirmed that the email was, in fact, real. With that said, Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders are now expected to begin on May 18, 2026. Take-Two investors may be celebrating, as the publisher’s Q4 2026 earnings call is scheduled for May 21, 2026, and some information is sure to be released about its largest title to date, building on the success of its predecessor. These developments also largely reassure the GTA fanbase that the game is on track for a November 19, 2026, launch, with no further delays in sight.

      Market Tremors and Pre-Order Rumors

      Expectations are at an all-time high for Grand Theft Auto VI. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick recently spoke with Bloomberg and discussed the game’s hype. He said, “Being on the sidelines but pretty close to the front of the sidelines is very, very exciting. And terrifying. Because the expectations are so high.” Still, Rockstar and Take-Two have yet to confirm the pre-order date or issue a public statement regarding the Best Buy email. Take-Two’s Q4 2026 earnings call is just a few days away, and fans hope Strauss Zelnick will share a clearer picture of what’s coming next for GTA VI’s promotional marketing and trailer drops.

      Officials Silence and Investor Optimism

      The situation remains fluid as neither Rockstar nor Take-Two has publicly confirmed the pre-order date or issued a formal response to the Best Buy email. The Q4 2026 earnings call approaches, and investors expect some sense of the schedule for promotional marketing and trailer drops, but until then the GTA VI chatter will keep oscillating between cautious optimism and skepticism. For now, expectations linger high, and the community hopes the official word arrives soon, setting a concrete launch plan rather than more rumors.

      Sources
      Tags: , , ,
    • GTA 6 pre-order leak: Emails tie to affiliate platform, May 18

      GTA 6 pre-order leak: Emails tie to affiliate platform, May 18

      Key Takeaway

      – Insider Gaming independently verified the leaked Best Buy affiliate email from Impact for “GTA 6 Pre Order (Physical Game)” (May 18–21) with a 5% affiliate commission; corroborated by two separate affiliates.
      – If legitimate, the pre-order window would be five months before the Nov 19, 2026 release and aligns with Take-Two’s May 21 earnings call; potential trailer 3 could debut around the campaign.
      – Email lacks MSRP; price estimates hover around $70–$100, while the market reacted with Take-Two stock rising about 5% (+$2B in value) on the rumor.
      – No official confirmation from Take-Two/Rockstar yet; the leak is corroborated but remains unconfirmed.

      The GTA 6 Best Buy pre-order story just got a lot harder to dissmiss. Insider Gaming has independently verified the leaked affiliate email by having two separate affiliates forward it directly, which confirms that the emails originate from Impact – one of the largest affiliate partner marketplaces in the industry, used by major retailers including Best Buy. Anyone signed up for Best Buy’s affiliate program through Impact may have received the same email from [email protected].

      Affiliate Source and Verification

      The campaign, which is titled “GTA 6 Pre Order (Physical Game),” runs from May 18 to May 21 and offers affiliates a 5% commission on physical copy sales. The leak was originally brought to light by YouTuber Frogboyx1Gaming during a live stream. The Australian creator TGG was among the first to corroborate it. Now with Insider Gaming’s verification, which is backed by traceable infrastructure rather than the testimony of creators, the leak appears to carry way more weight than before.

      Campaign Outline & First Corroborations

      If the May 18 pre-order date is actually on point, it would land exactly five months before GTA 6’s confirmed November 19, 2026 release date on PS5 (curr. $595) and Xbox Series X|S. What this should do is effectively rule out fears of another delay. Furthermore, the timing also lines up with Take-Two Interactive’s earnings call on May 21 – the same day the rumored affiliate campaign ends. As we mentioned in our past coverage, there are widespread speculations that trailer number 3 (which would be the first major Rockstar footage in over a year) could drop alongside the official pre-order announcement to close out the campaign window. Meanwhile, trailer 2 has already crossed 160 million YouTube views.

      No MSRP shows up in the email, however. Price estimates still range from $70 to $100. Simultaneously, Insider Gaming’s new report indicates that the market has already made its feelings pretty clear: Take-Two Interactive’s stock jumped nearly 5% on Thursday alone – up $10.79 per share to $237.78 – adding close to $2 billion in market value within hours of the pre-order rumors. Neither Take-Two nor Rockstar has officially confirmed anything yet.

      Sources
      Tags: , , ,