Red Dead Redemption for Switch: Unveiling Take-Two's Justification for its Price

Highlights

Take-Two Interactive CEO defends the high price of the Red Dead Redemption port for the Nintendo Switch, despite gamer complaints.

The Switch and PS4 versions of Red Dead Redemption include the Undead Nightmare expansion as part of the package. However, gamers are disappointed with these ports because they lack multiplayer features and do not support 4K gameplay, causing some to consider waiting for Red Dead Redemption 3.

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick is defending the steep price of the Red Dead Redemption port for the Nintendo Switch, despite criticism from gamers who believe it is overpriced for an older game. The announcement of a Switch port of Rockstar's popular open-world Western was made this week, following months of speculation about a potential remaster of Red Dead Redemption.

Originally released in 2010 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, Red Dead Redemption showcased Rockstar's expertise in creating expansive open-world environments, similar to their successful Grand Theft Auto franchise. The game allowed players to step into the shoes of former outlaw John Marston as he embarked on a quest to confront his former gang and rescue his family. Red Dead Redemption received acclaim from both critics and players for its innovative approach to the open-world genre. Despite long-standing requests for a full remaster of the beloved title, Rockstar announced ports for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 instead.

While the Red Dead Redemption ports for PS4 and Switch provide an exciting opportunity for players on these systems to experience Rockstar's beloved Old West game, many gamers have expressed disappointment regarding the ports' high price. Priced at $50, which is only slightly cheaper than most new console releases, the costly version of this acclaimed yet aging title has been perceived by certain disgruntled gamers as a mere cash grab. In response to these complaints, Take-Two Interactive CEO, Strauss Zelnick, addressed the issue in a statement to IGN, stating, "That's just what we believe is the commercially accurate price for it."

Take-Two's CEO, known for his controversial remarks, received support from Hannah Sage, the company's EVP of Finance, who pointed out that the ports include the Undead Nightmare expansion, previously sold separately. Despite the attractive price, which includes the base game and expansion for less than other new releases, many gamers remain frustrated with the expensive ports. Adding to their frustration is the lack of multiplayer functionality and inability to play at 4K, features already enjoyed by Xbox Series X owners for years.

While Zelnick asserts that the Switch release of Red Dead Redemption offers great value for consumers, it is evident that a significant portion of consumers strongly disagree. With the high price and backlash, some gamers may choose to skip this re-release and instead wait for the announcement of Red Dead Redemption 3.

Red Dead Redemption is out now for PS3 and Xbox 360 with PS4 and Switch versions coming August 17.

Source: IGN