Highlights
Fans have long desired a current-gen port for Red Dead Redemption 2, but it seems Rockstar may have missed the opportunity to deliver it.
The waning interest in Red Dead Redemption 2 ports has increased as players have grown tired of the game and become accustomed to contemporary gaming technology. With the underwhelming launch on Nintendo Switch, the potential response to ports for current consoles would likely be even more negative. Consequently, Rockstar should prioritize bigger endeavors and delay any porting efforts until after the release of Grand Theft Auto 6.
Despite the tremendous success of Red Dead Redemption 2, many fans have expressed disappointment over the absence of a current-generation port for the game. Released in 2018, the game impressed fans with its immersive world and meticulous attention to detail. However, its release coincided with the impending arrival of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, leaving fans longing for an upgraded version of the game on the latest hardware. The demand for a current-generation port is evident, as fans believe it has the potential to reach even greater heights on modern consoles.
Since the release of Xbox and PlayStation's latest consoles in 2020, the desire for a current-generation port of Red Dead Redemption 2 has been steadily growing within the game's community for almost four years. Despite this, there is still no concrete news or significant progress on the development of Red Dead 2 ports. As fan attention begins to shift elsewhere, it appears that Rockstar may have missed a golden opportunity to deliver an updated gaming experience to their dedicated fans.
Current Gen Ports For Red Dead Redemption 2: Too Little, Too Late
Rockstar had the opportunity to release Red Dead Redemption 2 for modern consoles in 2020, but chose not to. Leaks in May 2022 suggested that work on these ports was being done at Rockstar, but it was later claimed that they were completely abandoned. It is speculated that Rockstar prioritized resources for Grand Theft Auto 6, making it unlikely that the RDR2 ports will be worked on before GTA 6 releases.
Additionally, the interest in ports for Red Dead Redemption 2 has diminished. While these ports would have been highly anticipated a few years ago, many players have already played and become familiar with the game on modern hardware, removing the excitement of a current-gen version.
Current-gen ports of RDR2 may face a negative reception due to the disappointing outcome of the Nintendo Switch release of Red Dead Redemption. Initially believed to be a remake or remaster for all platforms, the reality of a simple port has frustrated the franchise's community. Given that it has been five years since the launch of Red Dead Redemption 2, news of current-gen ports could have similar underwhelming results. Perhaps Rockstar would be wiser to wait until Grand Theft Auto 6 has settled before considering a remaster for the next generation of consoles.
Once highly anticipated by the game's community, new Red Dead Redemption 2 ports have lost their appeal over time. As the game ages alongside the current console era that previously sought these ports, it would be more logical for Rockstar to prioritize larger-scale projects. Despite ongoing rumors, the final product would likely fail to ignite interest among a significant portion of the RDR2 fanbase.
Red Dead Redemption 2 can currently be enjoyed on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.