Red Dead Redemption 2 fans have been waiting for a next-gen upgrade since 2018, and now another rumor is making the rounds. According to KiwiTalkz, a YouTuber known for interviewing former Rockstar developers, the long-awaited next-gen version of RDR2 is actually happening. The catch? The gaming community has heard this exact same story dozens of times over the past few years, and many are skeptical this time will be any different.
What KiwiTalkz Is Claiming
KiwiTalkz, whose real name is Reece Reilly, stated that Red Dead Redemption 2 is getting a next-gen upgrade and suggested the GTA 6 development timeline may have impacted release dates for other Rockstar projects. He’s also previously claimed the game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, saying he spoke with eight developers who worked on that port. While KiwiTalkz runs a YouTube channel featuring interviews with former Rockstar employees, his track record with leaks is questionable at best.
The Reddit gaming community responded with massive skepticism. One user commented it feels like groundhog day, with every leak stating the same thing without additional details. Another pointed out that by the time this update actually releases, what we consider next-gen will probably be outdated. The top comment on the Reddit thread asked whether they should trust KiwiTalkz or if he’s just repeating the same leak that’s been circulating for three years.
Previous Leaks and Rumors
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about a Red Dead Redemption 2 next-gen upgrade. In June 2025, reliable insider Nate the Hate corroborated rumors that RDR2 was getting enhanced for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 with a planned fall 2025 release. That obviously didn’t happen. Before that, the FTC vs Xbox trial in September 2023 leaked internal Microsoft documents mentioning a next-gen version of the game.
Even more frustrating for fans, Rockstar released a surprise patch for Red Dead Redemption 2 in March 2024 that fixed various PC issues and added HDR10+ support. What it didn’t include was the 60fps update console players desperately wanted. Meanwhile, the original Red Dead Redemption got a quiet 60fps patch for PS5 back in October 2023, making fans wonder why the sequel continues to be ignored.
What the Upgrade Could Include
If Rockstar actually delivers on this rumored next-gen update, the improvements should be substantial. The most obvious enhancement would be 60fps performance mode, something players have been requesting since the game launched in 2018. Currently, Red Dead Redemption 2 runs in backwards compatibility mode on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, locked at 30fps with checkerboarded 4K resolution.
Resolution upgrades are also expected, with the PS5 Pro potentially using PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution to reach near-native 4K without sacrificing performance. Visual settings would likely match the PC version on high or ultra, bringing improved textures, better lighting, enhanced draw distances, and more detailed environments. The PS5 and current Xbox consoles have significantly more power than the PS4 and Xbox One hardware the game originally targeted.
| Platform | Expected Performance |
|---|---|
| PS5 / Xbox Series X | 60fps at 4K (with PSSR upscaling) |
| PS5 Pro | 60fps at near-native 4K with enhanced settings |
| Xbox Series S | 60fps at 1440p or lower resolution |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | 40fps at 1440p with DLSS upscaling |
| Current Gen (Backwards Compatibility) | 30fps at checkerboarded 4K |
Why Rockstar Keeps Delaying
The obvious question is why Rockstar hasn’t already released this update. One theory involves their focus on GTA 6, which is consuming most of the studio’s resources ahead of its 2026 launch. Former Rockstar animator Mike York, who worked on GTA 5 and RDR2 until 2017, told KiwiTalkz in a separate interview that Rockstar typically prioritizes making games amazing at 30fps before optimizing for 60fps.
Another possibility is Rockstar wants to sell the next-gen version as a standalone product rather than offering a free upgrade. They did exactly that with GTA 5’s Enhanced Edition, charging full price for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions despite the game originally launching in 2013. With Red Dead Redemption 2 having sold over 60 million copies, a paid next-gen upgrade could generate substantial revenue, especially during the holiday season.
Community Frustration Grows
The Red Dead community’s patience is wearing thin. Modders have demonstrated what’s possible by creating unofficial 60fps patches for jailbroken PS5 consoles, with Digital Foundry showcasing the dramatic visual improvement in comparison videos. PC players have also released enhanced texture packs and performance mods that push the game well beyond its console limitations.
Fans feel abandoned compared to how Rockstar treats GTA Online, which receives regular updates and content drops. Red Dead Online was essentially left to die, and now the single-player experience feels stuck in 2018 despite running on hardware capable of so much more. Comments across Reddit and social media express frustration that Rockstar could easily patch in 60fps support but chooses not to, possibly saving it for a paid re-release.
Switch 2 Considerations
The Nintendo Switch 2 version presents unique challenges. While more powerful than the original Switch, the hardware still falls behind PS5 and Xbox Series X in raw performance. Experts predict RDR2 on Switch 2 will target 1440p resolution at around 40fps, similar to how Cyberpunk 2077 runs on the platform, with Nvidia’s DLSS technology handling upscaling.
Visual settings should exceed the PS4 and Xbox One versions, which were essentially running at PC low settings. The Switch 2’s improved capabilities mean better textures, improved lighting, and enhanced environmental details. However, don’t expect the same performance levels as current-gen home consoles. The portable nature of Switch 2 means compromises are inevitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red Dead Redemption 2 getting a next-gen update?
According to KiwiTalkz and previous leakers like Nate the Hate, yes. However, these rumors have circulated for years without official confirmation from Rockstar Games. The community remains skeptical until Rockstar makes an official announcement.
What improvements would a next-gen RDR2 update include?
Expected enhancements include 60fps performance mode, native or upscaled 4K resolution, improved textures and visual settings matching PC high/ultra presets, better draw distances, and enhanced lighting effects. The PS5 Pro might also utilize PSSR for improved image quality.
Will the next-gen update be free or paid?
Rockstar hasn’t announced pricing details. Based on their GTA 5 Enhanced Edition approach, which charged full price for next-gen versions, many fans worry RDR2’s upgrade won’t be free. However, nothing has been officially confirmed.
When will Red Dead Redemption 2 next-gen release?
No official release date exists. Nate the Hate previously predicted fall 2025, which didn’t happen. Some speculate it could arrive before GTA 6 launches in 2026, but Rockstar’s silence makes any timeline pure speculation.
Is RDR2 coming to Nintendo Switch 2?
KiwiTalkz claims he spoke with eight developers working on a Switch 2 port. While technically possible given the Switch 2’s improved hardware, Rockstar hasn’t confirmed this. Performance would likely target 40fps at 1440p with DLSS upscaling.
Why hasn’t Rockstar updated RDR2 already?
Possible reasons include focus on GTA 6 development, plans to sell the update as a standalone product, or technical challenges optimizing the massive open world for consistent 60fps performance. Rockstar has never publicly explained their reasoning.
Can I play RDR2 at 60fps now?
On PC, yes, if your hardware supports it. Console players are stuck at 30fps unless they use unofficial mods on jailbroken PS5 systems, which violates terms of service and can result in account bans.
Conclusion
The latest KiwiTalkz leak adds fuel to a fire that’s been burning since 2018, but fans have every reason to be skeptical. Red Dead Redemption 2 deserves the next-gen treatment given its status as one of the most visually impressive games ever made, yet Rockstar continues its silence. Whether this rumor proves more credible than the dozens before it remains to be seen. Until Rockstar makes an official announcement, players waiting for 60fps cowboys and 4K vistas should probably keep their expectations in check. The sad reality is Rockstar clearly knows what fans want but chooses to prioritize other projects or potentially gate the upgrade behind another purchase. For now, the waiting game continues.