Fourteen years after its original release, Red Dead Redemption is finally getting the current-gen treatment it deserves. Rockstar Games announced on November 13, 2025, that the legendary Western will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, Android, and Netflix Games on December 2. Even better, if you already own the game on PS4, Xbox One, or the original Switch, you’re getting a free upgrade to the enhanced version.
What You’re Getting
The December 2 release includes the complete single-player experience of both Red Dead Redemption and the Undead Nightmare expansion, plus all bonus content from the Game of the Year Edition. The story picks up right after the events of Red Dead Redemption 2, following John Marston as he tries to escape his violent past while government agents force him to hunt down his former gang members. Undead Nightmare flips the script entirely, turning the frontier into a zombie-infested hellscape where you’re fighting to find a cure for the undead plague.
Rockstar developed these new versions in collaboration with Double Eleven and Cast Iron Games, the same teams that handled the 2023 PS4 and Switch port, as well as the PC version that launched in October 2024. The announcement confirms these enhanced editions will also join the GTA+ Games Library and PlayStation Plus Game Catalog on launch day, giving subscribers instant access.
Performance Upgrades
The technical improvements vary by platform, but every version gets meaningful enhancements. On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, you’re looking at 60 frames per second gameplay, enhanced image quality, HDR support, and resolutions reaching up to 4K. This is a huge upgrade over the backwards compatible Xbox One version, which has been locked at 30fps since launch. PlayStation owners already got 60fps through the PS4 port, but the new PS5 version adds proper HDR and 4K support.
Nintendo Switch 2 players are getting a particularly impressive version. Rockstar says it took full advantage of the new hardware with DLSS support, HDR, mouse controls, and the same smooth 60fps experience at high resolution. This suggests the Switch 2 has serious horsepower if it can run Red Dead Redemption at 60fps while maintaining visual quality. The original Switch version ran at 1080p docked and 720p handheld, both at 30fps, so this is a massive jump.
Mobile and Netflix
What makes this release genuinely surprising is the mobile component. Red Dead Redemption is coming to iOS and Android devices, including through Netflix Games for subscribers. The mobile versions feature touchscreen controls specifically designed for phones and tablets, along with mouse input support on devices that can handle external peripherals.
The idea of playing a game as visually demanding and mechanically complex as Red Dead Redemption on a phone seemed impossible a few years ago. Rockstar managed to bring Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to mobile back in the day, but that was a much simpler game from the PS2 era. Red Dead Redemption was a technical showcase on Xbox 360 and PS3, pushing those systems to their limits with massive open worlds, complex AI systems, and detailed character animations.
Netflix subscribers get access to the full mobile experience starting December 2 as part of their existing subscription, no additional purchase required. For non-subscribers, the game will be available as a standalone purchase on the App Store and Google Play Store, though Rockstar hasn’t announced pricing yet.
Free Upgrades
Here’s where Rockstar deserves credit. Anyone who owns the digital version of Red Dead Redemption on PS4, the original Nintendo Switch, or the Xbox One backwards compatible version can upgrade to the enhanced current-gen version for free. This is not something Rockstar typically does. The company charged full price for GTA V when it moved from PS3/Xbox 360 to PS4/Xbox One, and again when it jumped to PS5/Xbox Series.
The upgrade path gets even better for PlayStation and Nintendo users. PS4 owners can transfer their save data directly to the PS5 version, letting you pick up exactly where you left off. Switch 2 players can do the same with saves from the original Switch console. Xbox players get the free upgrade too, but Rockstar’s announcement doesn’t mention save data transfer for Xbox, which is odd considering the Xbox ecosystem usually handles this stuff seamlessly through cloud saves.
What About RDR2
The elephant in the room is Red Dead Redemption 2, which still doesn’t have a proper current-gen upgrade despite being one of the most visually stunning games ever made. RDR2 runs on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S through backwards compatibility, but it’s basically just the PS4/Xbox One version with faster loading times and more stable frame rates. There’s no 60fps mode, no 4K on Series S, and no PS5-specific enhancements.
Fans have been begging for an RDR2 upgrade since the current-gen consoles launched in 2020, especially after seeing what the PS5 Pro could theoretically do with it. Getting a full upgrade for the first Red Dead Redemption before the sequel is bizarre, though not entirely surprising given Rockstar’s history. The company seems more interested in milking GTA Online and preparing for GTA 6 than updating older single-player games, no matter how beloved they are.
Why Now
The timing of this announcement is interesting. Rockstar just delayed GTA 6 from fall 2025 to sometime in 2026, disappointing millions of fans who’ve been waiting over a decade for the next Grand Theft Auto. Releasing Red Dead Redemption across every platform imaginable feels like a peace offering, giving players something to do while they wait for GTA 6 to arrive.
There’s also a business angle. Red Dead Redemption has sold over 20 million copies since 2010, but most of those sales happened years ago on Xbox 360 and PS3. By bringing the game to mobile devices, modern consoles, and subscription services, Rockstar can tap into new audiences who never experienced the original. The mobile market alone is massive, with billions of potential players worldwide who might never buy a console but will absolutely play games on their phones.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Red Dead Redemption coming to current-gen consoles?
Red Dead Redemption launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, Android, and Netflix Games on December 2, 2025.
Do I have to pay for the upgrade if I already own the game?
No. Existing digital owners on PS4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch can upgrade to the enhanced current-gen version for free. Physical disc owners will need to check with Rockstar for specific upgrade paths.
Can I transfer my save data to the new version?
Yes, but only on PlayStation and Nintendo platforms. PS4 players can transfer their saves to PS5, and original Switch owners can move their progress to Switch 2. Xbox save transfer hasn’t been confirmed in Rockstar’s announcement.
What improvements does the current-gen version include?
PS5 and Xbox Series X/S get 60fps gameplay, up to 4K resolution, HDR support, and enhanced image quality. Nintendo Switch 2 adds DLSS support, HDR, mouse controls, and 60fps at high resolution. Mobile versions feature touchscreen controls and mouse support.
Does the release include Undead Nightmare?
Yes, the December 2 release includes both Red Dead Redemption and the complete Undead Nightmare expansion, plus all bonus content from the Game of the Year Edition.
Will Red Dead Redemption be available on Netflix Games?
Yes, Netflix subscribers can play the full mobile version on iOS and Android starting December 2 as part of their existing subscription at no extra cost.
Is Red Dead Redemption 2 getting a current-gen upgrade?
Rockstar hasn’t announced any plans for a Red Dead Redemption 2 upgrade. The game remains playable on current-gen consoles through backwards compatibility but lacks specific enhancements like 60fps or native 4K support.
How much will the mobile version cost?
Rockstar hasn’t announced pricing for the standalone iOS and Android versions yet. Netflix subscribers get access at no additional cost through Netflix Games.
Conclusion
Red Dead Redemption’s December 2 release represents one of the most comprehensive multi-platform launches in gaming history. From high-end consoles to smartphones, Rockstar is ensuring that John Marston’s story reaches every possible audience. The free upgrade for existing owners is genuinely generous, especially coming from a company that usually charges for enhanced versions. While fans would obviously prefer to see Red Dead Redemption 2 get the same treatment, or better yet, see GTA 6 arrive sooner, this is still a solid offering for anyone who wants to experience or revisit one of the best Western games ever made. Whether you’re playing on a 4K TV or during your morning commute, the frontier is calling, and this time it looks better than ever.