Red Dead Redemption Switch 2 Review

Red Dead Redemption Switch 2 Review
Version Reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2

When I first reviewed the Switch port of Red Dead Redemption, I was living in my caravan and travelling the Outback with a fistful of dollars and a heart full of dreams. There was a lot of controversy surrounding it, mainly that the multiplayer component had been stripped from the game, and the price point was over $70 AUD. That was all some time ago now, so it’s time for me to stop Red Dead Reminiscing and saddle up for the Switch 2 Edition upgrade. What’s it Like? Holster that six-shooter, jump on the wagon, and I’ll take the reins as we review Red Dead Redemption for Nintendo Switch 2.

Tall Tales

Red Dead Redemption’s story has always been the heart of the game, and the Switch 2 Edition keeps it intact. You step into the boots of John Marston, a man trying to leave his outlaw past behind while navigating a rapidly modernising Wild West. The game tells a tale of John as he tests loyalty, betrayal, and survival that still hits hard today.

The characters are well fleshed out thanks to stellar writing and voice acting, with some driven by deep and meaningful motivations, while others play caricatures of the stereotypes of the time. The narrative takes you across vast landscapes, from dusty frontier towns like Armadillo to a sprawling desert wilderness, with memorable encounters around every corner. The Switch 2 upgrade does not add new story content but preserves all the emotional beats and cinematic moments that made the original unforgettable.

For newcomers, it is a gripping Western epic, and for returning players, revisiting Marston’s journey on Switch 2 feels like catching up with an old friend who has been through as much as you have.

Taking Aim

Red Dead Redemption has always excelled at blending exploration, story, and action, and the Switch 2 Edition delivers that experience seamlessly. Riding across the open world feels effortless, whether you are chasing bounties, hunting wildlife, or simply taking in the landscapes. Missions vary from tense shootouts to slower-paced story moments, and side activities like cards, hunting, and chasing down bounties add plenty of variety. Controls on Switch 2 feel responsive across the board. The game now adds optional mouse support, which will appeal to gamers who prefer it, but the controls were always polished to perfection, and the Pro Controller still excels at handling everything with ease.

The gunplay is outstanding. Rifles send up puffs of smoke with every shot, enemies ragdoll in ways that were ahead of their time, and the shooting mechanics remain precise and satisfying. Every encounter feels dangerous and deadly, from a quick pistol duel in town to a tense hideout assault taking down bandits. The combat never feels repetitive, which keeps the thrill alive even after dozens of hours in the saddle.

Other gameplay systems, like horse bonding, gambling, and the moral system, all remain intact and work smoothly on Switch 2. The open world still encourages exploration and rewards curiosity with random encounters, making it easy to get lost for hours in the game.

Sightseeing

On Switch 2, the visuals are gorgeous. There are signs of the aging graphics engine, such as a lower polygon count, but surprisingly, much like we’ve seen in the recent Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, it still holds up remarkably well. The world feels alive, even in moments of desolation, with wildlife roaming through the desert. Towns are full of impressive detail and sharpness, making settlements feel alive and lived in.

Double Eleven and Rockstar Games have taken full advantage of the new hardware. The game now supports DLSS, HDR, mouse controls, and delivers gameplay at a high resolution. They have stopped short of saying it runs at 4K like the other console counterparts, but with the DLSS, it looks smooth and crisp. If you want to see how this version stacks up visually, stay subscribed for an upcoming side-by-side graphics comparison video.

Performance on Switch 2 is excellent. The game runs consistently at 60 frames per second, making exploration, combat, and cinematic moments feel smooth and responsive. Even in busy towns or intense shootouts, the frame rate remains steady. During my time with the game, I only experienced a single freeze while playing Undead Nightmare, which did not affect the overall experience.

Listen

The audio in Red Dead Redemption on Switch 2 continues to impress. Environmental sounds help bring the world to life, from the clop of hooves on dusty trails to the rustle of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife. Even in the desert, there is a sense of presence that makes the world feel lived in.

The soundtrack complements the action perfectly, from tense shootouts to more reflective moments across the plains. Overall, the audio helps immerse you in the fading Wild West, making the Switch 2 edition a fully atmospheric experience.

Saddle Up

For my cowboys and cowgirls looking into accessibility, there are plenty of options to make your time in the Wild West more comfortable. These include UI adjustments and scaling, a variety of controller tweaks and mouse mode, and a selection of cheats that can also be used as difficulty modifiers.

When it comes to value, there are two things to consider. First, if you purchased the Switch 1 version, the Switch 2 upgrade is free, which is excellent value. If you don’t, then the price point still haunts the title the same as it did on the original Switch, landing at just under $75 AUD. It is a classic game that still delivers an amazing experience, but it is also a cut-down version, with the multiplayer component removed.

Sundown

Red Dead Redemption on Switch 2 is still a great game, but it remains a compromised experience. In my original review, I may have been harsher than the desert sun when I said, “This isn’t the definitive Red Dead Redemption experience, simply a handheld one.” Time has softened my view somewhat, largely because of my love for this classic.

For those who don’t already own it, the question is whether you can justify spending AAA money on a 15-year-old, compromised classic in the same week as Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Metroid Prime 4, and Octopath 0. While you ponder that, I’ll sign off by acknowledging that Red Dead Redemption is still an amazing experience, even with the good, the bad, and the ugly.

So, What’s it Like? Red Dead Redemption is like Grand Theft Auto… in the Wild West.

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