Next-Gen Red Dead Redemption 2 Version Still on the Horizon, Say Insiders

Even as gamers anticipate the newly announced re-release of the original Red Dead Redemption, reliable industry insiders are doubling down on claims that a next-gen version of Red Dead Redemption 2 is still on its way.

The speculation was renewed following Rockstar Games' surprise announcement of an upgraded Red Dead Redemption port for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, the rumored "Switch 2," and even mobile platforms. This led some fans to believe that previous rumors about an RDR2 update might have been mistaken.

However, two credible sources who previously reported on the project have reiterated their claims.

Gaming insider NateTheHate directly addressed the matter on Twitter. When a fan suggested he had confused the two games, he stated definitively, "This doesn't negate RDR2 happening."

Another insider, Reece “KIWITALKZ” Reilly, who had previously claimed to have spoken with multiple developers at Rockstar working on the RDR2 next-gen version, echoed this sentiment. While admitting he has no specific release date, Reilly asserted that the RDR1 re-release "does not mean there is not one coming for the sequel" and that it "will come at some point."

This move could be part of a larger strategy by Rockstar. Red Dead Redemption 2 has been a massive critical and commercial success, selling over 79 million copies worldwide. In contrast, the original RDR1 has sold 28 million copies. This significant gap suggests that a large portion of RDR2's audience may have never played the first game.

By re-releasing the original Red Dead Redemption on modern platforms, Rockstar can introduce the beginning of John Marston's story to a massive new audience. This could, in turn, build even greater anticipation for a visually and technically enhanced version of its prequel, RDR2, on the same consoles.

With the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 pushed back, Rockstar may have a clear window to launch a next-gen Red Dead Redemption 2, giving fans a major AAA release while they wait for the next installment in their flagship series. For now, fans remain hopeful that Arthur Morgan's story will soon get the full current-gen treatment it deserves.