Red Dead Redemption released on the Nintendo Switch in the summer of 2023 with little controversy. Despite the hopes of many online grifters, the port to Nintendo’s system was a very competent port of an already great game. Fast forward to now, and Rockstar has now updated the game for the Nintendo Switch 2. Let’s talk about it.
Note
I’m mainly focusing on the graphics and performance here, but if you want to check out something about the game as a whole, be sure to check out our Switch review of the game here.
How to Update & File Size
If you already own Red Dead Redemption on the Switch, accessing this update is absolutely free of charge (unless you’re in Japan where you’ll have to pay ¥100). If you find the Switch 2 version of the game on the eShop or product page via a web browser or the Nintendo Store app, you can find it. The game itself is listed as an 11.7 GB download (versus the 11.6 GB for the Switch 1 version). I was expecting the upgrade to make the file considerably larger, but it appears that the developer responsible for this port and upgrade, Double Eleven, is leaning on the Switch 2’s DLSS upscaling tech to do the work with minimal impact on this aspect of the game.
Mouse Controls
Rockstar has brought a number of visual improvements to the title which we’ll get to in a little bit. One of the other big things that they brought to the game is the addition of mouse controls. Personally, I never had any issues with the controls in the game when I played it back on the Xbox 360 or the Nintendo Switch back when it released in 2023. Still, it’s an interesting addition. Using this control method, you are able to still move around with the other Joy Con 2, but the controller you are using as a mouse will handle aiming and camera controls. The first time you use this, it might be a little bit confusing when it comes to shooting. To initiate this, you have to hold ZR (for right handed folks) and then click R while doing this to shoot. Additionally, the weapon wheel is used in a similar way. Holding down L will bring this up and then you can move around the mouse to choose your weapon. While this is not my preferred way to play the game (and I’m honestly not a huge fan of this control scheme), it’s great to see new additions like this.
Visuals & Performance
The version of Red Dead on Nintendo Switch 1 was already pretty decent visually, though the it is locked to 30 frames per second. Personally, this didn’t both me, but the update for the Switch 2 bringing this up to 60 fps was great. The upscaling on the game is subtle, but there are elements that just look better overall. Even from the game’s opening cinematic you can see smoother lines on the riverboat as the camera pans back, clearer foliage in the background, sharper looking characters and much more. Again, these subtle touches do breathe life into this game again, but this is still a game from 2010. It’s a great looking one, but don’t expect the Switch 2 Edition to be a remaster when it comes to in game assets or character models.
When I sat down with Red Dead on the Switch 1 back in 2023, a consistent issue I kept coming across was that the game would sometimes be a bit dark. This was highlighted more in places like Thieves Landing or while inside of buildings, however the updates to the visuals here have really evened things out. This is mostly noticeable if you are playing on an HDR enabled screen - if you aren’t, that aspect of visual update will be lost on you. Thankfully the Switch 2 comes packed with one, so even if you can’t see these changes on the big screen, you can see them in handheld mode. It does take some time to get the settings right in-game, but once you do, things look so much better and really enhance the experience. My 4K TV supports HDR, but the Switch 2 looks a bit washed out. I’ve found that playing the game in handheld mode was best for this in my case. Of course, this is going to vary for those of you out there, but, again, playing this on a good HDR supported screen is awesome.
Conclusion
If you already own Red Dead Redemption on the Nintendo Switch, this is a no-brainer update. It’s free (unless you’re in Japan, but ¥100 is well worth it) and gives you a better performing way to play a classic. Playing with an HRD enabled display is the best way to experience this as it makes that game easier to see in dark areas and just benefits the game overall, as does the inclusion of 60 fps. If you haven’t played the game before (or in a long time) and are into open world games, Red Dead Redemption: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is absolutely worth taking a look at.
But let’s turn things over to you. Did you check out the upgrade for Red Dead Redemption on the Nintendo Switch 2? How do you like it? Be sure to sound off with any and all comments down below. We’d love to hear from you.
Final Score: 9.0
by Danny Bivens
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