The next-gen upgrade of Red Dead Redemption, the epic open-world action-adventure game from Rockstar Games, has just come out for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, as well as on mobile. Is the upgrade worth it after it was originally released on PS3, Xbox 360, PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch? Let’s find out based on what we’ve experienced through hands-on gameplay.
What Is Red Dead Redemption?
Red Dead Redemption takes place in 1911. You play as John Marston, an outlaw-turned-rancher who has been forced by federal agents to find and kill his former gang members in exchange for releasing his wife and son from hostage. To complete his mission, John must travel across western America and Mexico, aided (or hindered) by the people he encounters along the way.
Red Dead Redemption is exactly what anyone could dream of for an open-world action-adventure game set in the wild west. There’s shootouts, duels, horseback riding, and hogtieing with a lasso, all across deserts, plains, and forests. Additionally, players are absolutely spoiled by the sheer amount of side quests and activities to find, including bounty hunting, wildlife hunting, treasure hunting, horse taming, cattle herding, and lots more. Red Dead Redemption is the type of game you can easily lose yourself in and get distracted from the main story quests.
Red Dead Redemption’s Release History
Red Dead Redemption was originally released in 2010 on PS3 and Xbox 360. In 2023, it was ported to PS4 and Nintendo Switch. In 2024, it got released on PC. Now, in 2025, it has made its way onto PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, Android, iOS, and Netflix.
There was also a DLC released for Red Dead Redemption, a zombie-themed adventure titled Undead Nightmare, originally released several months after the first game. The Undead Nightmare DLC has also been released on other platforms, including the current-gen consoles and platforms.
Further DLC added additional content such as new outfits, weapons, and challenges, including multiplayer content. This was all eventually bundled into what was called the Game of the Year Edition, first released in 2011. Barring the multiplayer feature, this edition is also part of the next-gen release.
Should You Get Red Dead Redemption for Next-Gen Consoles?
If you’re considering getting Red Dead Redemption on the next-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2), you might be wondering if it’s worth it. You may currently own Redemption on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch and have the free upgrade offer, or don’t own it at all yet. Let’s look at everything you get in the next-gen release.
Technical Advancements Compared to Older Console Releases
As you might expect, one benefit of getting Red Dead Redemption on your most advanced console are the technical improvements. This includes graphics and performance.
60 FPS Equals a Smoother Experience
If you play Redemption on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or Switch 2, you will be able to play with 60fps, compared to the original 30fps. You also got a 60fps experience on previous ports, but not all of them. This time though, it’s available on all next-gen releases.
Playing Red Dead Redemption at 60fps makes a huge difference to the gameplay experience. You won’t have to suffer the frustrations of lagging, whether you’re watching a cutscene or engaged in a fiercestome shootout. The higher framerate alone presents a smoother and cleaner experience, meaning you can focus all your attention on just playing and enjoying whatever’s happening on-screen without the distracting effects of lagging.
Shorter Loading Screens Means Less Time Waiting and More Time Playing
Another noticeable difference with performance quality is the reduction in loading screens. They are still present in Red Dead Redemption, including whenever you load the game or starting a new main mission. Even though the loading times were never insanely long like some other games, the next-gen upgrade does shorten the waiting time significantly. This means you can spend more time getting down to playing rather than impatiently waiting for the game to load.
Laggy framerates and long loading screens are non-existent in Red Dead Redemption’s newest upgrade.
Enhanced Image Quality Provides a Cleaner, More Polished Look
If you are planning to get Red Dead Redemption on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or Nintendo Switch 2, don’t expect radical improvements to the graphics. This isn’t a remake, so it won’t look quite as realistic as Red Dead Redemption 2. It still looks like a game from 2010.
However, this isn’t to say there’s no improvement whatsoever. Compared to how it used to look when it originally came out, Red Dead Redemption does have a somewhat cleaner look to it, the rough edges smoothed out to make it easier on the eyes.
You may also notice that UI elements such as the HUD, menus, newspapers; basically anything text-based has a sharper look to it.
Modern TV Devices Allow for Further Graphical Enhancements
With current-gen TVs, you can get even better quality visuals thanks to HDR support. Plus, you can get resolutions up to 4K if you have Redemption on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Note that HDR support and 4K resolution is only available on compatible TV devices. If your TV doesn’t support these options, it will be greyed out in your game.
Even Further Enhancements Available on Nintendo Switch 2
Those who want to get Red Dead Redemption specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2, the most recent console to be released for the next-gen upgrade, there are some exclusive bonuses, which include not only HDR support and 60 fps performance, but also support for DLSS and mouse controls.
Enjoy the breathtaking world of Red Dead Redemption with improved graphics.
What Additional Content Do You Get With the Next-Gen Upgrade?
The graphical and performance improvements of this newest release of Red Dead Redemption alone make it worth getting. However, if this isn’t quite enough to convince you yet, there’s more than just the original game in this package.
If you get Red Dead Redemption for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, as well as the mobile ports on Android, iOS, and Netflix, you also get the Undead Nightmare DLC, as well as content included with the Game of the Year Edition. The GOTY Edition adds a number of extras to Redemption, including:
- Hardcore difficulty for single-player mode.
- Liars and Cheats DLC
- Outlaws to the End DLC
- Legends and Killers DLC
- Free Roam Pack DLC
- The Hunting and Trading Pack DLC
- Myths and Mavericks DLC
- Solomon’s Folly Bonus Hideout
- Deadly Assassin Outfit
- War Horse Pack
- Golden Guns Pack
Not only do you get the original game, but you also get Undead Nightmare and all other DLC included with the GOTY Edition.
Is Multiplayer Included With the Next-Gen Upgrade?
For this release of Red Dead Redemption on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, Android, and Netflix, there is no multiplayer gameplay. Only single player gameplay is available in Red Dead Redemption and the Undead Nightmare DLC.
Final Verdict: Is the Next-Gen Upgrade Worth Getting?
With the graphical and performance enhancements, bonus content, and availability for next-gen consoles, the ultimate question is: is it worth getting? The answer: absolutely. It may seem pricey for a game that’s now 15 years old ($40 or $50, depending on the platform), but with everything you get including the upgrades and extras, you won’t feel that you’ve wasted your money.
Also, for those thinking about the free upgrade, this is an offer you simply cannot refuse – and you can easily transfer your saved games over from your previous consoles so you won’t have to worry about losing any of your hard work.
With everything that the next-gen version has to offer, the upgrade is worth it.
How to Get Red Dead Redemption for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and Mobile
Red Dead Redemption is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 for $49.99. You can also play Red Dead Redemption through PlayStation Plus and the GTA+ Games Library.
Red Dead Redemption is available from Google Play and the Apple Store for $39.99 for Android and iOS devices.
You can now play Red Dead Redemption with Netflix membership through your mobile devices, complete with easy navigation and touch-screen gameplay.
Note that on mobile devices, you must have internet access; you cannot play offline.
How to Get Free Upgrade from PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch
If you currently own Red Dead Redemption on PS4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch, you will be able to upgrade to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 for free. You can also carry over your saved data.
For each console, to get the free upgrade, you need to do the following:
- PS4 to PS5: The upgrade option should be available from the Red Dead Redemption screen. You can also look in the PlayStation Store.
- Switch to Switch 2: Look for the Red Dead Redemption Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack in the Nintendo eShop.
- Xbox One to Xbox Series X/S: With the digital version, the free Xbox upgrade should be available from the Microsoft Store.
What If You Own Red Dead Redemption on PS3 or Xbox 360?
If you have Red Dead Redemption on either PS3 or Xbox 360, you will unfortunately not be eligible for a free upgrade to PS5 or Xbox Series X/S. You must own digitally on PS4 or Xbox One to get the free upgrade.
The free upgrade is available if you have PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch – but not PS3 and Xbox 360.
Should You Play Red Dead Redemption Before or After Red Dead Redemption 2?
If you’re someone who likes to play games in order, or you’re new to Red Dead Redemption, you may be wondering if you should play Red Dead Redemption before or after its prequel, Red Dead Redemption 2. This is a good question, but this is entirely your choice.
It doesn’t make much difference which game you choose to play first. However, there are a few factors to consider:
- Chronologically, Red Dead Redemption 2 comes first (1899–1907). The events of Red Dead Redemption take place a few years later (1911–1914).
- In 2, you learn how John Marston became estranged from Williamson, Escuella, and Van der Linde.
- Red Dead Redemption 2 shows John’s journey from gang member to legitimate rancher alongside his family (and why Uncle lives with them).
- Each game has different gameplay activities and mechanics. Redemption 2 notably has several features not present in the first Redemption.
- Red Dead Redemption 2 has a larger map. However, Red Dead Redemption has access to Mexico.
Red Dead Redemption portrays John’s former criminal life catching up with him.
