Nintendo finally unveiled the Switch 2 on Thursday after months of rumours and leaks. Little information has been revealed so far about the next generation hybrid console but combined with other bits here and there is still enough to talk about when it comes to Rockstar Games.
The successor to one of the best selling consoles of all time is highly anticipated. It probably is one of the most anticipated console releases of all time. Not as much as GTA 6 is however. Given the improved hardware expected to be found inside the machine and Rockstar’s support of the previous version, there’s a fair chance we’ll see more Rockstar Games titles on the new system.
Classics Play On Switch 2
For starters, Nintendo confirmed the Switch 2 does feature backwards compatibility with both physical and digital Switch games. Although Nintendo do note “certain” Switch 1 games “may not be supported on or be fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.” Assuming Rockstar’s titles will work just fine with the sequel, it means fans can enjoy Red Dead Redemption, L.A. Noire and Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition on their new console from launch day.
It is unknown at this moment in time if there will be any graphics or performance improvements by simply running Switch games on Switch 2 without developers updating the games. If there is any, fans will probably be able to enjoy a locked 30FPS in games like the GTA Trilogy where there might be occasional drops. Since that collection gained a major update, it is a much better experience on Switch now.
There has also been some work done for GTA+ support on Nintendo Switch. This would allow GTA+ members on current gen consoles to play games like L.A. Noire, the GTA Trilogy and Red Dead 1 on Switch.
GTA 6 On Switch 2?
In terms of new releases on Switch, GTA 6 is almost certainly out of the question. The portable console is said to be as powerful as the PS4, perhaps even the PS4 Pro. That is not enough to run the creative and technological vision Rockstar. The game will release first on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S and then PC. A Switch 2 port could happen if things are dramatically scaled down. That seems very unlikely though.
Red Dead Redemption 2 And GTA V Portable?
A more realistic Switch 2 release from Rockstar would be Red Dead Redemption 2. We covered a couple of rumours that claim Red Dead Redemption 2 will release on Switch 2 at launch. One of the leakers who claimed it would come to Switch 2 also stated the console would be revealed on January 17th, one day later than the reveal.
It is not out of the question though. Rockstar insider Tez2 said that Rockstar did have plans to port Red Dead 2 to the Switch in 2019. The Switch controller can even be found in the files of the PC version. Red Dead Redemption 2 was also age rated in Brazil for the Nintendo Switch in the September of 2023. As mentioned above, the console’s rumoured power is of a PS4 so RDR2 is a fair candidate to see on Switch 2.
Nintendo announced a Switch 2 Direct livestream for April 2nd. This is where we will learn all about the console and see some new game announcements. Whilst we’d expect a focus on 1st party games by Nintendo themselves, some blockbuster 3rd party titles like Red Dead 2 could potentially pop-up. Although a reason why Nintendo have made such a gap between the reveal and Direct is so publishers can announce their Switch 2 games. Take-Two’s financial report for the past quarter will be shared early next month. A Red Dead Redemption 2 announcement on Switch 2 would make investors a little happy.
GTA V meanwhile is less demanding to run than Red Dead 2 so many would be quick to assume that will happen. There’s always been talk about what if Rockstar brought GTA V to even the original Switch. Someone even attempted it with low frame rates as you’d expect.
It does feel a little less likely though for a few reasons. With GTA 6 in the final stages of development, opening up GTA Online to a whole new platform and supporting it does not seem like something Rockstar will want to do. There’s a good chance GTA Online 1 “ends” real support at the end of 2025 if GTA VI comes out. Perhaps a GTA V version with the GTA Online section cut out could come to the game? They did remove Red Dead 1’s online mode for PS4, Switch and PC.
On top of that, the game is already the second best selling game of all time. There won’t be many Switch 2 users who have not played GTA V at this point. The new console simply does not have the 100+ million user install base like the first Switch.
Will even an older, unexpected title come to Switch and Switch 2 as well? Some fans will dream. For more Rockstar Games news updates, stay tuned to RockstarINTEL.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
