Sony and Microsoft battle it out for GTA IV sales

Stock scarce as pre-orders reach record-breaking levels

Anticipation for Grand Theft Auto IV has reached an all-time high as Sony and Microsoft battle it out to become the console of choice for GTA fans.

Certain retailers have been offering free Xbox Live points and Xbox Live membership in promotion of the 360 version of the game, whereas Sony is set to announce a special GTA IV PS3 bundle. However, retail opinion is divided over which format will emerge victorious.

“Both titles have generated great interest on the Asda website, with strong pre-orders, and the PS3 version is selling three times that of 360, which is surprising and not in line with what we’d expect,” said Asda’s head of games Duncan Cross.

Comet’s games buyer Debbie O’Neill also feels the PS3 will benefit most from GTA’s release on April 29th. “We have great expectations and believe it is going to be a massive hardware driver – especially on PS3.”

However, HMV’s Tim Ellis has seen more interest for the 360 version: “Demand for both formats is high, but our 1,000 Xbox points offer generated a huge amount of interest.”

Many retailers have sold out of their initial allocation already – even the High Street’s biggest specialist GAME has struggled to cope with demand: “As expected, there is huge anticipation for GTA IV and we are working closely with Take Two to serve as many customers as possible,” said a GAME spokesperson.

“Given the demand, we are unable to guarantee customers who order a copy will receive the title on launch day.”