Red Dead Redemption on Switch – Still Worth It in 2025?
Red Dead Redemption – Nintendo Switch Review
When #ad Red Dead Redemption first galloped onto the scene back in 2010, it redefined what open-world storytelling could be. Its sweeping Western landscapes, complex moral choices, and emotional depth turned it into one of the most memorable games of its generation. Fast forward to today, and Rockstar has brought this classic experience to the Nintendo Switch—a move that immediately raises one big question: can such a massive, cinematic game truly shine on Nintendo’s more modest hardware? The short answer is yes—mostly.
From the moment the game boots up, it’s clear that this isn’t a lazy port. The Switch version stays faithful to the original, preserving the gritty atmosphere and authentic Western tone that made Red Dead Redemption so beloved. Set at the turn of the 20th century, players step into the well-worn boots of John Marston, a former outlaw forced by government agents to hunt down his old gang members. It’s a tale of redemption, betrayal, and survival that remains just as compelling today as it was over a decade ago.
Visually, Red Dead Redemption on Switch is a pleasant surprise. While it can’t compete with the crisp detail of modern consoles, the game runs remarkably well. The textures are cleaner than expected, lighting holds up nicely, and the landscapes still evoke that dusty, cinematic Western feel. Whether you’re riding across sun-drenched plains or galloping through stormy nights, the atmosphere remains captivating. In handheld mode especially, the visuals feel surprisingly sharp, and the art direction does much of the heavy lifting.
Performance-wise, the game runs at a stable 30 frames per second, which is consistent and reliable. Load times are relatively short, and I didn’t encounter any significant bugs or crashes during my playthrough. The controls have been well adapted to the Switch, too—gunfights feel snappy, horse riding remains fluid, and the touchscreen offers some useful shortcuts when navigating menus. While gyro aiming isn’t included (a missed opportunity, really), the game still feels comfortable to play whether docked or handheld.
What truly makes this port special, though, is the fact that Red Dead Redemption is now fully portable. There’s something almost magical about being able to ride through the frontier, hunt bounties, and explore ghost towns on the go. It breathes new life into a game that was once confined to living room consoles. The Switch’s portability turns those quiet moments of travel—on the bus, in bed, or during a lunch break—into opportunities for small bursts of immersive storytelling.
One notable inclusion is the Undead Nightmare expansion, which comes bundled with the base game. This zombie-filled side story remains one of Rockstar’s most entertaining add-ons, blending Western horror with tongue-in-cheek humour. It’s still a great bit of fun, and its inclusion adds serious value to the package.
However, there are a few drawbacks. The game’s age does show in certain areas—facial animations can look stiff, and some of the older design choices (like limited checkpoints or slightly clunky movement) remind you that this is a product of its time. Additionally, the lack of multiplayer support means one of the original game’s features is missing, though given the Switch’s audience, that’s not a major loss for most players.
Still, when you step back and take it all in, this version of Red Dead Redemption is an impressive achievement. It may not be the definitive way to play, but it’s certainly one of the most accessible. For newcomers, it’s a chance to experience one of the greatest Western adventures ever made, and for returning players, it’s a nostalgic ride that holds up remarkably well in 2025.
Score: 8.5 / 10
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This review hit me right in the nostalgia — seeing Red Dead Redemption reborn on Switch feels like rediscovering an old friend.
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