The GTA 5 Collector's Edition Makes GTA 6's Ultimate Edition Sad

Now that pre-orders are live for "Grand Theft Auto 6," gamers feel secure that there won't be another delay and that the November 19 release date is pretty thoroughly set in stone. So this should be a time of excitement and positive buzz for what is already being called the biggest game of all time. Unfortunately, various updates over the last couple weeks have soured some of that hype; from the core version's eye-watering $80 price tag, to the lack of an actual disc that has fans furious over the so-called physical release. 

In fact, "GTA 6" not coming with any sort of physical disc — and literally just being a case containing a piece of paper with download instructions — has some stores refusing to sell it entirely. That's a lot of money being left on the table for the sake of principle, but we applaud any retailers willing to stand on business in that regard. 

As for the pricier $100 Ultimate Edition, that one is thus far not being made available to brick and mortar stores anyway, and is currently only available on the Xbox and PlayStation digital storefront. And speaking of that Ultimate Edition, whether it's worth the extra 20 bucks is a matter of opinion — but there's no denying how pathetic it looks next to the Collector's Edition that was released for "GTA 5." 

"GTA 5" changed gaming in a number of ways, including setting new standards for the level of a hype a single video game release could amass. While the 13 year wait for "GTA 6" has made the excitement for that game significantly higher, "GTA 5" was also a pretty massive deal when it first launched for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2013. So monumental of an event was the launch of "GTA 5" that Rockstar released a limited $150 Collector's Edition for those that were willing to pay a little extra for the return to San Andreas.

No, $150 isn't a minor increase over $100. But when comparing what the $100 Ultimate Edition of "GTA 6" includes vs. what the $150 Collector's Edition of "GTA 5" came with, it still makes the "GTA 6" package look pathetic by comparison. In the case of the "GTA 6" Ultimate Edition, the bonus content is entirely in-game and comprises various cosmetic items, as well as access to exclusive businesses within Vice City.

On the other hand, the Collector's Edition of "GTA 5" came with the base game — on actual discs, by the way — in a steelbook case with exclusive artwork, a Los Santos cap, a lockable bank deposit pouch, and a map of San Andreas with key item locations, all in a sharp-looking displayable box. Oh, and it also included a number of in-game boosts and cosmetic items that put everything that comes with the "GTA 6" Ultimate Edition to shame.