The most anticipated video game in years finally has a firm countdown. Rockstar Games has opened pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI, which launches Nov. 19 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, parent company Take-Two Interactive said. Xbox's store lists a preload date of Nov. 12, so players can download the game a week early and start playing as soon as it unlocks.

There is a catch for collectors. Physical editions will include a download code rather than the full game on a disc, according to Microsoft's Xbox store page. That means buyers will still need an internet connection to install the game.

The release has been a long time coming. Rockstar first confirmed the game in 2022 and released its first trailer in December 2023, which broke YouTube viewing records. The launch was later pushed back from 2025 to 2026, and then again to November.

Grand Theft Auto VI returns to Vice City, the series' take on Miami, and features two main characters, Lucia and Jason. Grand Theft Auto V, released in 2013, has sold more than 200 million copies, making it one of the best-selling entertainment products ever.

Analysts expect GTA VI to break sales records. Some have predicted it could earn billions of dollars in its first year. The game could also boost sales of game consoles during the holiday season, when Sony and Microsoft are fighting higher prices driven by tariffs and chip costs.

There is no PC version announced yet. Past Rockstar games came to PC months or years after their console release.

Pre-orders are available through the PlayStation Store, the Xbox store and major retailers.

What we know: GTA VI launches Nov. 19, with preloading from Nov. 12.
What we don't: The final price of every edition and when a PC version will come.