Red Dead Redemption rides again on next-gen systems

Rockstar Games is not slowing down after a busy month of headlines. Even as the studio pushes back the launch of the next Grand Theft Auto, it’s gearing up to revive one of its most beloved titles for a new generation of players. Red Dead Redemption, along with its fan-favorite standalone expansion Undead Nightmare, is galloping onto modern consoles, upgraded mobile devices, and a few platforms that are just now entering the market.

The renewed release arrives more than a year after the long-awaited PC edition finally became available, and Rockstar is making sure that several of the visual and technical improvements introduced on that platform carry over to the fresh console versions. The company appears determined to ensure that the 2010 classic feels at home in the hardware landscape of 2025.

Beginning December 2, Red Dead Redemption and Undead Nightmare will launch on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2. It’s a wide rollout designed to give both longtime fans and new players a chance to revisit John Marston’s story without having to hunt down older hardware. But Rockstar isn’t stopping with the traditional console space. On the same day, the game will also debut on supported iOS and Android devices. And in a move that signals the growing influence of subscription services on mobile gaming, Netflix subscribers will be able to access the mobile edition at no additional charge.

In its announcement, Rockstar leaned into the narrative continuity that connects Red Dead Redemption to its critically acclaimed prequel. “Step into the events immediately following the blockbuster Red Dead Redemption 2, in the critically acclaimed tale of John Marston’s journey to bury his blood-stained past,” the studio said, setting the stage for returning players and newcomers alike. The company also highlighted Undead Nightmare, a wildly different alternate-universe adventure in which Marston battles a frontier ravaged by a supernatural virus: “In its zombie-horror companion Undead Nightmare, fight to find a cure for the zombie plague that has overrun the frontier.”

To bring this updated edition to life, Rockstar has teamed up with Double Eleven and Cast Iron Games. Both studios have previous experience in modernizing older titles for new systems, a sign that Rockstar wants the upgrade to feel thoughtful rather than a simple port.

Those upgrades include a smooth 60-frame-per-second performance target, enhanced image quality, and HDR lighting on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Resolution can climb up to 4K on the right setup, making an already cinematic game feel even more expansive. For the Nintendo Switch 2 version, Rockstar is taking advantage of DLSS to maintain 60FPS, while HDR support and mouse controls offer additional flexibility for players who prefer alternative input methods. These refinements are intended to keep the game visually competitive even alongside titles built natively for the newest consoles.

Rockstar is also offering a generous gesture to existing players: anyone who already owns the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, or original Nintendo Switch editions of Red Dead Redemption will receive a free upgrade to the new versions on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2. Save data and in-game progress will carry over as well, reducing friction for returning players who want to continue where they left off without replaying earlier chapters or losing hard-earned completion milestones.

This approach fits within a broader trend in which major studios look for ways to preserve legacy titles while increasing their appeal to a new audience. Red Dead Redemption, long considered one of Rockstar’s defining works, has remained relevant thanks to its lasting emotional impact and tight narrative structure. Bringing it forward once again serves both as a preservation effort and a strategic opportunity to introduce the world of John Marston to players who discovered the franchise through Red Dead Redemption 2.

Beyond the platform-specific editions, the game will also be joining two major subscription libraries on December 2. Red Dead Redemption will become part of the GTA+ Games Library, giving subscribers access as part of their ongoing membership. At the same time, the title is entering the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, broadening its availability to millions of players who use the service as their primary way of exploring PlayStation’s library of classics and modern hits.

While Rockstar’s decision to revisit Red Dead Redemption may surprise some fans who were expecting more news about the next Grand Theft Auto installment, the move underscores the company’s continued commitment to its existing franchises. By refreshing Red Dead Redemption with new visuals, broader platform support, and accessible upgrade paths, the studio is ensuring that one of its most iconic games continues to feel current, alive, and ready for its next ride.