Rockstar Games is reportedly developing Red Dead Redemption 2 for Nintendo Switch 2 and releasing next-gen upgrade patches for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Here’s everything we know so far about this exciting rumor.
Rockstar Games’ critically acclaimed open-world western Red Dead Redemption 2 may finally be making its way to modern consoles and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, according to recent reports. Originally released in 2018, the game is considered a masterpiece by fans and critics alike, but has strangely remained untouched by native upgrades for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. That may soon change.
According to a report from GameReactor, sources close to Rockstar claim that Red Dead Redemption 2 is currently in development for the Nintendo Switch 2. This aligns with a similar report by Nintenduo, which suggests the port could be released during Take-Two Interactive’s current financial year, ending March 31, 2026. It is currently unclear whether this version will be digital-only or also receive a physical release.
More excitingly for console players, the same sources state that Rockstar is also working on native versions or a “next-gen upgrade patch” for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. While the game is already playable via backward compatibility on these systems, it is limited to 30fps and lacks visual improvements seen on PC or even Xbox Series X|S’s boosted modes. The rumored patch or full re-release is said to enhance both performance and graphics to better align with current-gen standards.
The timing is interesting, especially considering past rumors that Rockstar had shelved next-gen plans for Red Dead Redemption 2 due to prioritizing the development of Grand Theft Auto 6, which is now scheduled to release in May 2026. Rockstar insider Tez2 had previously claimed that modern ports of both Red Dead Redemption and its sequel were once in the works but were canceled. This new wave of rumors suggests Rockstar may have quietly restarted the project.
Interestingly, one possibility is that Rockstar Australia (formerly Video Games Deluxe), which helped fix the troubled GTA Trilogy, could be involved in the development of these upgrades and ports.
Adding further weight to the speculation, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick recently voiced strong support for the Nintendo Switch 2 during a financial Q&A. He confirmed that the company is launching four titles for the upcoming console, including Civilization 7, NBA 2K, WWE 2K, and Borderlands 4. While Red Dead Redemption 2 wasn’t officially named, Zelnick’s optimism toward third-party opportunities on the new platform hints that more titles, possibly including Rockstar’s back catalog, could follow.
If these rumors prove accurate, Red Dead Redemption 2 could join the list of enhanced re-releases that bring older hits up to modern expectations. For fans who’ve long hoped to see the Wild West epic running at 60fps with visual upgrades on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, or portably on a much more powerful Nintendo device, the future looks promising.
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