Highlights
- Red Dead Redemption is coming to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 on August 17, but it's not a remaster and lacks new content.
- The game will not have a native PS5 release or an Xbox version, and there is still no PC version, leaving fans waiting and wanting for years.
- The re-release will likely not include the original game's online multiplayer feature, which may disappoint fans who enjoyed it.
Red Dead Redemption and its Undead Nightmare expansion are coming to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 on August 17, courtesy of Rockstar Games and Double Eleven Studios. Rumors have been swirling for quite some time now that Rockstar was preparing to release a Red Dead Redemption remaster or even a full-blown remake of the 2010 classic, but it seems that those rumors were only partly true.
Based on what's been shown so far, this new version of Red Dead Redemption is not really a remaster. It's more of a slightly enhanced port that brings the open world western to some modern platforms. But what may make some fans really scratch their heads is how this new version of Red Dead Redemption is skipping completely over major platforms and is going to retail for a whopping $49.99 despite the game being over a decade old and not bringing any notable new content to the table.
Fans may also be confused about Rockstar's release plans for Red Dead Redemption. August 17 is the day that PS4 and Switch gamers can pick up Red Dead Redemption digitally, with a physical release to follow on October 13. There will be no native PS5 release of the game, though it will still be playable on Sony's latest console thanks to its backward compatibility with the PS4's library. There will also be no Xbox version of the game, though the original Xbox 360 version is at least playable on modern Xbox consoles. Most disappointing of all, Red Dead Redemption is still not coming to PC with this rerelease. Fans have been asking for a PC version of the game for years, but it seems that they will have to keep waiting on that front.
When is Red Dead Redemption 1 Coming to Switch?
- Thursday, August 17 (Digital)
- Friday, October 13 (Physical)
It also seems as though this re-release of Red Dead Redemption will be missing one of the original game's major features: online multiplayer. This has yet to be confirmed, but the announcement makes no mention of multiplayer, and in fact makes it a point to highlight that the bundle includes "both classic, single-player experiences." Red Dead Redemption online multiplayer was well-received at the time of its release, and some fans may be disappointed that it's seemingly being left by the wayside with this port.
It's easy to see how many Red Dead Redemption fans are going to be disappointed by this announcement, but it is still going to be nice to have John Marston's adventure accessible on Switch and PlayStation consoles. The inclusion of the Undead Nightmare expansion is a nice bonus as well, though it remains to be seen if it's enough to appease fans who may be upset at the lack of a PC port or the fact that the game is not getting the proper remaster treatment.
Red Dead Redemption is available now for PS3 and Xbox 360 with PS4 and Switch versions coming August 17.
