Nintendo has finally announced the Switch 2 on Thursday after months of rumors and leaks. There isn’t much information about the new hybrid console yet, but there’s still enough to discuss, especially in connection to Rockstar Games.
The Switch 2, following one of the best-selling consoles ever, is highly anticipated. It might even be one of the most awaited console launches, though not quite as much as GTA 6. With the upgraded hardware expected in the new console and Rockstar’s past support for the original Switch, there’s a good chance we’ll see more Rockstar Games titles on this new system.
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Classics Play On Nintendo Switch 2
To start, Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 will support backwards compatibility with both physical and digital Switch games. However, they did mention that “certain” Switch 1 games might not work or be fully compatible with the new console. If Rockstar’s games work without issues, fans will be able to play Red Dead Redemption, L.A. Noire, and Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition on the Switch 2 from day one.
It’s unclear if playing Switch games on the Switch 2 will automatically improve graphics or performance without updates from developers. If there are improvements, fans might enjoy a stable 30FPS in games like the GTA Trilogy, which occasionally has frame drops. Since the collection received a major update, it already runs much better on the current Switch.
GTA+ support has also been worked on for the Nintendo Switch. This means GTA+ members on current-generation consoles could play games like L.A. Noire, The GTA Trilogy, and Red Dead Redemption on the Switch.
Will GTA 6 Be Launched On Nintendo Switch 2?
When it comes to new releases on the Switch, GTA 6 is almost certainly not an option. The Switch 2 is rumored to have power similar to the PS4, or maybe the PS4 Pro, which isn’t enough to handle Rockstar’s ambitious vision for the game. GTA 6 will first launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and later on PC. A Switch 2 version might only happen if the game is heavily scaled down, but that seems very unlikely.
How about Red Dead Redemption 2 & GTA V Portable?
A more likely Rockstar release for the Switch 2 is Red Dead Redemption 2. Some rumors suggest the game could be available when the console launches. Interestingly, one leaker who mentioned this also predicted the Switch 2 reveal date as January 17th—just a day off from the actual announcement.
It’s not impossible, though. Rockstar insider Tez2 revealed that Rockstar had plans to port Red Dead Redemption 2 to the Switch back in 2019. In fact, the Switch controller is even referenced in the PC version's files. Additionally, in September 2023, Red Dead Redemption 2 was age-rated for the Nintendo Switch in Brazil. Given that the Switch 2’s rumored power is comparable to a PS4, RDR2 seems like a strong candidate for the new console.
Nintendo has scheduled a Switch 2 Direct livestream for April 2nd, where they’ll reveal more about the console and announce new games. While the event will likely focus on Nintendo’s own first-party titles, big third-party games like Red Dead Redemption 2 could make an appearance. The gap between the console’s reveal and the Direct might be to give publishers time to announce their Switch 2 games. Interestingly, Take-Two’s financial report for the last quarter is coming early next month. Announcing Red Dead Redemption 2 for the Switch 2 could be a move to please investors.
GTA V, being less demanding than Red Dead 2, is a more likely candidate for the Switch 2. There’s been ongoing speculation about Rockstar potentially bringing GTA V to even the original Switch. In fact, someone tried to port it, but the results were low frame rates, as expected. Given the Switch 2’s more powerful hardware, it’s easier to imagine GTA V running smoothly on the new console.
It seems less likely for several reasons. With GTA 6 almost finished, Rockstar probably won’t want to expand GTA Online to another platform and continue its support. There’s a good chance GTA Online will no longer receive updates after GTA 6is released in 2025. However, Rockstar might release a version of GTA V without the GTA Online part, similar to how they removed Red Dead 1's online mode from PS4, Switch, and PC.
Additionally, GTA V is already the second best-selling game of all time, so there likely won’t be many Switch 2 users who haven’t played it yet. The new console doesn’t have the same 100+ million user base that the original Switch does, which means it may not make as much sense to bring the game to the Switch 2.
>>> Read more: Experts Discover New Details in GTA 6 Trailer
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