One of the biggest releases of 2018 - and of this entire decade, in fact - was Red Dead Redemption 2. The game released to universal acclaim and generated over $725 million in revenue in just three days when it launched earlier this year, but sadly skipped Nintendo's current system.
Of course, realistically, we doubt many people would have expected the game to arrive on Nintendo Switch in the first place; consisting of a large, interactive open world and an incredible level of graphical detail, Red Dead is simply too technically demanding to run on Switch in its current, regular state. This doesn't mean that Nintendo wouldn't like to see the game on its system, however, as proven by Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Reggie was asked specifically about interest in games such as Red Dead Redemption 2. He notes that Nintendo would be "absolutely" interested in having the game on its platform, but that all major releases appearing across other platforms at present wouldn't have been designed with Switch in mind - hence the absence.
"Absolutely. We’d love for it to be there. But again — and this is where there needs to be an understanding of just the development process — Red Dead has been in development for years, time that predated any communication of Nintendo Switch. So, from the developer’s mentality, they need to move forward and finish the game they’ve been working on and then be in a position to look at other opportunities."
So what about major games which have only been dreamed up recently? "We'll see," says Reggie.
"Any game from a key third-party that’s coming out now, typically that development started well before any conversations about Nintendo Switch. What happens moving forward? We’ll see. But that’s how you wind up with a situation with Red Dead not being available on our platform."
With games like Skyrim and DOOM now appearing on Switch - which would have seemed impossible just years ago - the console isn't too far behind on catching up with its rivals. Bethesda has already confirmed that DOOM Eternal will launch across all major platforms - including Switch - so is it possible that other developers will follow suit now that the Switch is well and truly out in the wild? To quote the main man himself, we'll see.
Do you think we'll start to see major releases launch across Switch and other platforms simultaneously in the future? Or do you think Nintendo's machine will always play catch up a couple of years down the line? Share your thoughts with us down below.
[source hollywoodreporter.com]
Comments 148
I think everyone would have loved to have it on Switch. But like Reggie said, with the majority of AAA games taking years of intensive development to create for just the initial target platforms long before the Switch was even announced, it's simply unrealistic to expect all third parties to include Switch from the start.
That said, as the Game Awards showed us this year, that's starting to change. We're getting huge multiplats next year like Mortal Kombat 11, Crash Team Racing, Doom Eternal, Trials Rising, and likely the usual bevy of annual sports games. I believe that the Switch's future looks bright, both in first parties and third parties.
Well port Red Dead Redemption 1 for starters...this should be easy
8gb on the cart and a 92gb download
@ilikeike I dont know if I call CTR "huge". Its just hard for me to justify getting a mascot racer that isnt Mario Kart.
@adh56 Also 10 FPS Docked and around 5-6 FPS in Handheld.
RDR2 is pushing ~100+ GB and if GTAV online is any indication that number is going to grow over time. Doubt we will ever see this on the switch and if so I'd imagine some big sacrifices and cuts would have to be made
@Gravitron People absolutely love CTR and it's one of the most iconic games of its generation. I'd say that it's huge for it to come to Switch, especially day-and-date with other platforms.
Reggie, please
I don’t understand all the technical details at play here, but RDR2’s file size alone is several times larger than the Switch’s hard drive. I guess it could come with its own 128 GB SD card, but that would of course significantly increase the price.
In the meantime, I’m happy to keep playing one of my favorite games of the generation so far on my PS4.
@ilikeike
Fair enough that's really no knock on the game itself. Just a kart racer where I only know 2 characters isnt that appealing for me personally. I'm sure tons of people will be thrilled. And any game coming to switch is a success whether I personally play it or not, it's a good sign.
Sometimes, you gotta just leave the bigger games on the bigger hardware. Nintendo, if you want games like that on your console, don’t just talk about it. Build a bigger console with specs that can handle these sorts of things.
...And outer space is vast. Did we learn anything here we didn't already know?
Well, Nintendo should approach Rockstar (2K) to bring over Rockstar classics like San Andreas to Switch. Maybe RDR1, that would be awesome on the go.
If it is possible technically and it makes financial sense, any game could come to Switch. Unfortunately, I don't think this game can run on Switch no matter the sacrifices in visual fidelity.
@dimi considering the original code is one big mess I would say porting Red Dead redemption is never gonna happen on any platform
@Gravitron I'm in the same boat as you actually, I was an N64 kid growing up so Crash Bandicoot characters aren't very important to me personally. However I'm still aware that CTR is a big game for Switch and I'm happy for its fans. It's a good sign when Switch gets multiplatform releases from big publishers like Activision.
Hey Reggie, could you tell us more about the 128Gb cartridges ?
@dimi It is believed that some portions of the source code have been lost forever, which would explain the lack of a often fan requested PC version. I would buy RDR for Switch day 1.
I'd settle for a port of RDR if I thought it would ever happen. As Reggie said, RDR2 wasn't designed with the Switch in mind.
I personally found Red Dead Redemption2 to be slow, sluggish, and the tank controls are just hard to enjoy. That and the fact that you can't climb even the slightest hill without sliding down is really irritating. Breath of the Wild > RDR2.
I'd rather have RDR1 tbh...
If u think about it Doom Eternal is coming to switch and I bet that is going to look better than Red Dead 2 since its a newer game. But also Doom eternal would probably have a bigger date download than RED dead 2. So if you think about it they could put red dead 2 on the switch. No body knows the real power of the Switch Some say Wimpy Some say Powerful.
Red Dead redemption 1 would be awesome though. With both the regular game and The Undead version wherever you go.
Don't make it $60 though make it about $39- to about $40
@Hordak yeah I'm right there with you. Visually and sound wise it was pristine but the controls made me not even want to play it. Loved the story though, ended up selling my copy and just watching the cutscenes on YouTube lol. I'm sure I missed some of it but got most of it in the end!
@Audigore0733 the game world of. Doom Eternal will also probably be significantly smaller than RDR2, don't think that's really the best comparison. A huge open world and a for the most part corridor shooter.
Ok, how about a Red Dead 1 Remaster on Switch?
@Hordak
Played them both and I’d say they’re equal. Red Dead 2 is much more detailed than BoTW. Both are 10/10 games though. BoTW is more intense but the story and fine details is RDR2 are significantly better.
@Cobalt
Seriously!! That would enable more games and less downloads. Where are they??!!
@redd214 skyrim looked fine Opened world so I don't see y they couldn't do that with RDR2. o wait its a bigger game and it looks better is what someone is going to tell me.
If Rock star and Bethesda, panic button and some others get together they could make this happen.
@redd214 by the way Warframe is a free game and it has some open world parts plus so much content in that game and so much to find and it still runs good on the switch.
@Audigore0733 Cool man, you keep that hope alive though bud
Red Dead 2 could be on the Switch's successor and it would be a good idea for Nintendo to keep the same computer arch - i.e. next gen Tegra SOC - to attract 3rd party developers.
@redd214 I don't even Like red dead redemption 2 BOY!!!!
When the 2019 Switch model comes out with fast running speed and everything they might be able to put it on The 2019 Nintendo switch.
@Hordak
Ms PAC-MAN > BotW > RDR2
Maybe Switch could get the mobile port "RDR2: Chibi Rides Again!" and they could replace all the horses with chocobo.
I'd take RDR1, GTA5 can't be too far off now I think.
I think it’s good that Nintendo at least acknowledged RDR2
@rjejr lmaoo
@Audigore0733 lol keep dreaming
Well then Nintendo should pony up some cash and help pay for the port. I'd buy it again if it came to Switch.
Red Dead Redemption 2: Minecraft Edition would be about their only option.
@goggles789 thats still doesnt guaranties that they would port the game if nintendo had a normal console that was more powerfull.
It will still be the same situation because they wouldnt have known about it when developing games. Its not JUST about having more power.
Reggie should just STOP talking and start DOING?
Let Panic Button do it, I bet they could.... they're legends doing gods work. They're a credit to the video games community.
If said other opportunities ever include the first RDR (among other titles), I'm game. No pun intended.
Suuuuuuuuuure they would
Honestly, get Red Dead Redemption ported to Switch first. Then wait for a Switch Pro or a Switch 2 to attempt Red Dead Redemption 2. I also think Nintendo and Rockstar should be working to get GTA V on Switch.
As much as I like Red Dead Redemption 2 for Switch, I rather they focus on getting GTA V to Switch first.
RDR2 would likely need a lot of optimization to get a build playable on the Switch. Conversely, I believe that a build of GTA 5 could be done for the Switch relatively easily. Give us the builds for the PS3 and 360, but add the extra features of the rereleases such as first person and the peyote without upping the quality of the graphics to ensure it could run on the Switch. Still hoping we see news of GTA 5 coming to the Switch sometime soon, I have to imagine after LA Noire that Rockstar has at least thought of it.
Yeah, it’s obvious that this game can’t run on Switch without being seriously downgraded. Therefore it’s great that one can get it on other consoles, while we can get games better optimized for Switch instead. There’s plenty of great titles on it already.
and id like to win the lotto jackpot reggie be honest man i think my chances are better
@Sanangelo89 That’s nice dear. Go back to your room and play with your toys.
Generally speaking no it's just not going to happen, even today the standard Xbox One S is struggling to keep up with the latest games and with the next generation of those systems coming soon that gap will only widen. There are of course exceptions and it's great to see the likes of Doom and Mortal Kombat coming to the system whilst games like Spyro have no excuse. Hopefully these big developers will see the advantages of making games purposely for Switch or smaller budget games which run on all consoles like Megaman and Resident Evil Revelations from Capcom.
If anything many of the games on Switch and coming to it are more fun than a lot of AAA's anyway, unburdened by needs to follow the latest trend or guarantee 90% metacritic scores (deserved or not). The Switch has survived without them and will continue to flourish with an increasingly exciting catalogue of games
what makes RDR2 so good is all the tiny details,AI interactions and following an AI around all day the AI is actually living a normal life with chores and such, to optimize it for Switch you would have to really simplify the AI which makes it a different game
Give us the classic Rockstar games. The new ones just aren't the same anymore.
@dimi Sounds like a good idea.
I love my switch but rd2 on it would make it melt!! There are times on my og ps4 that it looks a bit fuzzy. GTA V is where they should be going
Funny how we had all the big games from "key 3rd party" on PS4 20 months in.
Maybe try talking to them earlier.
I do not care if the Switch gets RD2 (Already have it) as long as they have something new in the pipe now.
Ubisoft made StarLink for Switch and Assassin Creed for PS4 in 2018. No need for the same game, just Switch support with new games.
Nice save, Reggie. RDR2 could never run on the switch as it is. Maybe a top-down view GTA1 style?
I'd rather see a sequel to Chinatown Wars, by far my favorite Grand Theft Auto.
@rjejr
That looks strangely enticing
I think we’ll see a few more multiplats going forward, but by no means everything. Some games just aren’t possible, Switch isn’t designed to host them. And that’s fine.
Does Reggie trolling Nintendo fans??
I truly feel ashamed that the president of Nintendo is thinking that he is talking to apes.
Straight n forward. Nintendo switch cannot run top aaa titles except they are made with unreal engine and also looking way worse than their rival version.
I don't mind the graphics really but I do mind that Reggie thinks that I am an ape that I swallow anything from him.
At the end if nintendo wanted rdr2 on the house then it should make a console near the power of its rivals.
Native 4K@60fps on Switch lol
@Gravitron CTR and SEGA racing or whatever to me is just mario kart with other tracks.
When you played it to death on Wii u it’s hard to come back fully
Mah Main Man Reg how about we get Red Dead 1 with some QoL improvements first. Then we can melt down our Switches with a 15 fps downgraded RD2 later.
Not gunna happen. However I actually wouldn't mind seeing the previous GTA games on the switch 👍
"Timing is against them." Also...the fact that it's two blue ray discs big and pushes even the ps4 pro to its limits. Lol
It's the most technically demanding game ever written and needs around 110gb of storage space. It's never, ever going to be on the Switch.
@Gravitron
@dimi I think they might be able to get Red Dead 1 up and running on switch without compromising the Xbox 360 era game; however, no way the switch could run something as big or graphically intense as RDR2.
@Silkyinsect_UK I think GTA IV would be a good fit.
Give me MGS V on Switch!
Can't wait to play this on Switch at 480p/15 FPS.
And I would “love” £25 million but I’m just not capable, the same as the switch not capable to run that game
What else would he say? “We have no desire to have one of the biggest games in years to be released on our platform”
Rockstar released GTA V on SEVEN DVDs on PC, RDR2 on two Blu-rays, and yet L.A. Noire on cartridge was out of the question...?
@Supadav03 Get out of here with that pack of lies. Run, and never look back, lest the salty gazes poison your the common sense in your heart.
Switch could get Red Dead Revolver. But not RDD2.
What’s to stop them porting the original with all its DLC?
@HobbitGamer guess we’ll have to settle this is smash! Hahaha.
@Gravitron you might not be interested but it is indeed huge, CTR was superior to MK64 at the time and arguably the MK series never really surpassed CTR in quality; fans have been asking for a sequel for years, and a remake is a good start. It’s no less important to have on Switch than N Sane Trilogy. It makes the platform more appealing to older gamers, and the more previously Sony exclusive IPs that the system covers the better.
@Hordak i found it the same really. I did however complete it but boy did i have to force myself to. The final chapter and both prologue chapters felt like an absolute chore imo. I promptly sold the game with no interest in ever playing it again. Looked fantastic tho.
RDR2 can't even fit on a Switch cartridge or its internal memory.
@Bengals76
You replied to me with a blank comment. Somehow you got a like, nicely done.
@ShadJV
I agree with you that more games is always a good thing, I know it's not called Gravitrons Switch and that every game doesn't have to be for me. Maybe I'll give it a try on someone else's switch and if I like It i may impulse buy it. Last time I played any kind of Crash game was on PS1 when I was like 8 (20 years ago wow!)
@adh56 if a company managed to port RE2 to N64 on only 64MB while the original was 1400MB, who knows what some very efficient programmers could get on only 8GB.
In general they snould maybe not give developers such rediculous amounts of space...
I'd also love the first RDR on Switch. Should be possible, since it is a last gen game. It should even run better on Switch than on PS3 and 360, and have enough space on a cartridge. Dang, just do it, Rockstar!
@Lando_ the source code was reported to have been lost, they cant even make a PC port despite it being constantly requested for years.
In a couple of years you will get Chibi Red Dead, similar to Final Fantasy 15 on Switch.
BOTW is a lot better to be honest. Nintendo gamers are not really missing out on much.
@KingdomHeartsFan I think I just dont like the open world format as much as everyone else does. The spirit of the games also feel different to me.
@Gravitron
It must be the Bengals aura. 😊 WhoDey!
It's just too big. I heard on PC it is more than 100GB. I would balk at downloading that even on my PC. That's a tenth of my hard drive on one game.
I have heard the game is quite popular, but honestly, I've never been a big fan of the "wild west". Open world games like Fallout, Skyrim or GTA are more appealing to me.
@diwdiws Oh. That's sad.
@Bengals76
Oh it's the browns helmet. I'm really a Lions fan I just like the idea of the Browns helmet having another tiny Browns helmet within another tiny Browns helmet. Not sure why I picked this as my thumbnail for a UK gaming site but that's where we are.
As for a topical comment I dont see a world where Red Dead 2 comes to switch and
A) Doesn't get completely neutered
B) Doesn't take up an entire SD card
I guess it could happen but I dont want it to, if the 2 above issues are present
@electrolite77 If Squenix made it then it would happen. What will really sell it is all the voice acting being re-done by female Japanese pop-stars.
@Wesker Stop assuming just because I like Nintendo automatically means I'm a blind Zelda fanboy.
@WaveBoy >What's the obsession with these ports making their way on go the switch?
Fanboyism, my dude. Playing PS4 or Xbox game marks you as a traitor in the eyes of fanboys.
@dimi Hasn’t even been ported to PC, do don’t hold your breath. I’ve actually heard that the way the code was written does not port well without extensive extra work
I’d rather see ports of GTA5 or Max Payne 3. Sure, RDR2 is an outstanding piece of software but I didn’t find myself having fun whilst I played it, in terms of pure entertainment Super Smash Bros. Ultimate blows it away.
@Gravitron They could stream it like they did Assassins Creed Odyssey, but yeah it wouldn’t be portable
@Rodan2000 I didn’t have fun with it either. I hated its law system especially; talk about killing the supposed feeling of freedom!
@WaveBoy Because you can take those games wherever you go if they’re on Switch. This really isn’t hard to understand
@Wesker Such a better conceived and executed game. Red Dead 2 forces realisim for immersion but it’s at its detriment
@Retupmocnin I wouldn’t mind that
RDR2 is what made me plug my PS4 back into the wall after collecting dust for a year and a half.
@Silly_G LA Noire wasn’t nearly as big as those worlds and it was far shorter, since its whole focus was reading facial expressions of the characters
Cowboy Pikachu! PIIIIKAAAAA!!!
@Luigi_Skywalker Through streaming it can
@WaveBoy I don’t think it’s unreasonable to question whether or not it can be done and done in a manner that makes it playable.
And you just can’t assume someone is console exclusive because of closed mindedness or fanboyism. Absolutely a lot of that exist obviously. But for many of us due to whatever life circumstances, you may not have the time or money to support 2 or more consoles.
And as @Antraxx777 said, it’s nice being able to take a game on the go with you
I would love a portable console with the power of the PS4/XB1. However, since Nintendo doesn’t care about competing in horsepower, Sony is out of the portable space, & Microsoft would rather stream to all devices, it’ll never happen.
@Hordak Breath of the Wild > Assassin’s Creed Odyssey > Skyrim > Red Dead Redemption 1 > Fallout New Vegas > Red Dead Redemption 2 (in my opinion)
Overrated, and I’m glad God of War won GotY instead. Disappointed AC Odyssey didn’t win anything.
@ramu-chan It could be through a streaming service
@Kang81 It’s also because that: would be way too expensive; physically too hot to hold; would kill any semblance of battery life and would increase storage issues
@Antraxx777 yeah it’s a shame because there is a lot to like about RDR2, but it’s just not that fun to play IMO. I think they should have really tried to improve the controls and the way you interact with things in the world.
@Audigore0733 ignorance indeed is bliss
And I’d love a million dollars.
Whatever Reggie
I dont think it's duable. RDR2 has a rather hard time running even on PS4. Just compare the graphics between Switch #1 open world game BotW with RDR2. I think Zelda is a prettier and better game, but the graphics detail is one generation behind RDR2.
RDR2 came with 2 disks and 1 of them is a 50gb disk which allows the game disk to work. Just let it go lol.
I’m a little surprised Rockstar hasn’t ported GTA V to the Switch yet. The game still sells well to this day and as long as GTA online runs well enough it would sell a lot more with a Switch version.
Red Dead Redemption 2 doesnt seem possible without a lot of cutting and compression, but a Red Dead Redemption port would be cool, or even a remaster of Red Dead Revolver.
RDR2 pushes the limits of the current consoles already. As for file size that is a no issue. The fact that most systems are stressing to even play the game is enough to say no
The game takes up two whole blu-ray discs. It's massive. It'll never happen. It'd be nice, but it won't happen. I mean, the game seems to have a hard time running on PS4/XB1 to begin with, but it somehow manages to work.
Now, the original Red Dead Redemption, that'd be something that I'd be interested in seeing again. Also surprised they haven't brought GTAV to the Switch yet.
@Gravitron yeah it’d be worth it to give it a try before buying. If we’re lucky it’ll get a demo (though who knows if we will). I can say though, I’m a Nintendo fan and have very little nostalgia for Sony characters. Even hardly knowing the characters, I had more love for CTR than MK, it was just a more enjoyable game (not that MK is bad in any way, I’ve gotten every entry of it). It’s at least worth a try for you! And MK could use some competition, there hasn’t been many other good kart racers in awhile (aside from Sonic & All Stars Racing).
@Antraxx777 Good point!
@WaveBoy
“The last thing I need is a drop in frame rate, lower resolution, downgrade in visuals/missing effects, blurred visuals ect all for the sake of being thrown on the switch for switch only fan boys OR being played on the go.”
So you don’t buy it then? Why do you want to deny others the chance and the developers/publishers the chance to make some money? That’s very selfish.
“What's the obsession with these ports making their way on go the switch?”
Seriously? Thirty years of portable games and systems selling in the hundreds of millions and there are still people asking this? How close-minded are you?
“You want to play Doom properly for example get it on the PS4.”
Very wrong. If you’re playing it on PS4 you’re already playing an inferior version to that on PC, PS4 Pro and XB1X. You also can’t play it on the go or using motion controls. Again, the way you choose to play it is not the ‘proper’ way.
“Why rob yourself of some many great experiences when you're being close minded and delving into favoritism and exclusiveness by sticking to one console”
I agree overall. But wherever possible all games should be on every system. Choice is good for the consumer. To think otherwise is just fanboyism.
@Hordak I'm glad someone else found that, I was incredibly bored during my time with it and found it more frustrating than fun to control.
The bigger questions is why is it locked to those toasters rather than being ported to a more powerful platform that is PC. Are they fearing Arkham Knighting it?
good morning dear TROLLS!
Oh how have I missed you this holiday season where everything Nintendo related is far from bombing as you were predicting muahaha.
Just chill and play games on your favourite consoles whichever they are.
@ilikeike Never played! Excited!
I know it's his job to lie, admitting the Switch's specs are inferior and all could be detrimental, but come on, only a fool would believe this is possible, there is no way in hell the switch can handle Red Dead 2, my old PS4 was barely able to do so before I upgraded to a PS4 Pro a couple of weeks ago.
I'd be up for a version with cartoon-rendering of characters and horses, aching to the promo material.
Done well, I'd find it a lot more attractive than the game's current look, and it might well perform better on Switch too.
It’s run like poo. It’s be a disservice for the game.
Just a reminder, Reggie, the game runs like garbage on the XBox One OG, runs barely better on the PS4 and 1S, runs almost tolerably on the PS4 Pro, and runs pretty well on the 1X.
Maybe he should work on Fallout 76, since it's from a studio that A) Likes Switch and B) Burned their bridges with consumers on all other platforms already.
I just need some super smash bros And I will be good.
They can just change the game as it is now so it can run on the Switch. They don't need to get a game in develpment at the same time as the other versions.
If Nintendo fund the whole porting job then why not? Just hire Panic Button to do it and we'll get the game in a year or so.
If people buy it, they will find a way, are people buying them doe? I heard Bethesda took an L for Wolfenstein.
@WaveBoy
Yeah I get what you mean. Once a system has enough games for it to be worthwhile to me I buy it. I’ve owned systems by pretty much everyone over the years (missed the PC Engine/TG-16). I guess sometimes there are financial issues that lead people to have to bet on one system. But apart from that I don’t get it.
I apply the same rules to people complaining about pricing of Switch games compared to other systems-if you don’t have that other system, you aren’t entitled to that game at that price.
@Nikkarin
Great idea. And there's a lot of overhead. It runs 60fps on ps4 and Xbox, so maybe they could make it 720p and 30fps on switch, and gave it look decent too
@NewAdvent
I think moreso than the actual workload of porting to PC, the case is that the talk about the game wouldn't have been about the game anymore. It wouldn't even have been about the artwork of the visuals.
It would've beene about the graphics. PC vs Console. Look at how small this texture is. Look how poorly optimized Low Setting is. Look how inconsistent the framerate is, running it on my grandmas toaster. I BUILT A RIG FOR (((THIS)))!!?? Look at me modding Spongebob in place of the horse!! That kind of thing.
And why bother. The money you get from doing a PC version of that type of game is negliegible, and some numbers even point towards it possibly damaging your sales.
I like my PC, but I get why they wouldn't prioritise it.
@Anti-Guy
It's absolutely possibly. Is it desirable? With the sacrifices they would have to make? Maybe not.
@Antraxx777
Yeah, but a man can dream.
I guess I’d just have to get one of those PS4 mods that turns it into a laptop.
@goggles789 And you can suck your moms banana
@Sanangelo89 Merry Christmas.
@goggles789 Whatever man. You can act sarcastic all you want, i come here to sincerely discuss about technology related to games and Nintendo to learn and have fun.
Instead of giving a proper answer you tell me to go play with my toys...
Merry Christmas he says, i hope you get the worst christmas ever that will ruin al future Christmesses for you.
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