Red Dead Redemption Switch 1 and 2 Graphics Comparison
Red Dead Redemption has seen a recent release on Nintendo Switch 2, and it arrives with a range of neat new features that make it worth a closer look. The original Switch 1 version already delivered a strong portable experience, so at first, I was not planning to do a graphics comparison. Both versions look great on their respective hardware, and at a glance, the differences can seem minor. After spending more time moving between the two systems, I started to notice a collection of subtle improvements on Switch 2.
None of them completely transform the experience on their own, but together they create a noticeably sharper and more polished version of this classic Western. So let’s saddle up and take a look at how Red Dead Redemption compares across both Nintendo Switch systems.
Starting off, for this comparison, we are looking at footage of John Marston strolling down the main street of Armadillo. On Switch 1 the game is locked to 30 frames per second, while the Switch 2 version runs at a solid 60 frames per second. This instantly creates a smoother and more responsive presentation on Switch 2, especially during movement and panning shots.
One of the first things gamers will notice is the overall sharpness of the Switch 2 footage. The video does not fully capture it, but there is visible pixelation on the Switch 1 version that becomes very noticeable when looking at finer details like the power lines above the street. This is where the higher framerate and improved image clarity on Switch 2 work together, giving the town a much cleaner and more stable look in motion.
This is one of the smaller details I noticed, but it adds a lot to the overall feel of the scene. The lighting and bloom effects are noticeably improved on Switch 2. As we walk down the stairs of the saloon, the light coming through the window looks more natural and has a softer glow. Part of this improvement comes from the Switch 2 now supporting HDR, which allows the game to display brighter highlights and deeper shadows, making scenes feel richer and more lifelike.
The textures in the Switch 2 version do not appear to have received a major overhaul, but they do feel more natural overall. In this side-by-side, look at the bricks on the wall of the bank. On Switch 2, the bricks have a richer colour and slightly less blur, likely thanks to DLSS boosting the effective game resolution. You can also see deeper, more vibrant colours in Marston’s clothes, which adds extra life to the characters and helps them stand out in the environment.
While the improvements are subtle, they contribute to a more polished visual experience, especially when combined with the higher framerate and HDR lighting on Switch 2.
For this comparison, we’re looking from a cliff overlooking Armadillo. On Switch 2, the grass looks softer and more natural compared to the sharper, pixelated sprites on Switch 1. The lighting is on full display here, and while the Switch 1 lighting was already decent, the Switch 2 version, combined with the richer colour palette, really shines.
The vast desert stretches out beautifully on both consoles, with excellent draw distance. However, on Switch 1 there is noticeable texture level-of-detail pop-in in certain areas, which is largely smoothed out on Switch 2. The overall effect is a more immersive world that feels more alive.
For a full critique of the game itself, check out my full review. When comparing the Switch 1 and Switch 2 versions side by side, apart from the jump from 30 to 60 frames per second, it is not an earth-shattering upgrade. Instead, it is a collection of smaller improvements like slightly sharper textures, better lighting, HDR support, smoother grass, and richer colours, that together enhance an already polished title.
Enjoyed our Red Dead Redemption Switch 1 and 2 Graphics Comparison?
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