Red Dead Redemption 1 on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and Switch 2 – Everything You Need to Know

by

Modern gamers are known for being unfazed, but it’s still amusing to see Red Dead Redemption re-released again. This classic Wild West game from Rockstar Games, which draws inspiration from films like Unforgiven and The Wild Bunch, is coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and Nintendo Switch 2 on December 2nd. It’s also playable on iOS and Android through a Netflix subscription. With the game now on current-generation consoles, it makes you wonder what Rockstar has planned next.

It’s interesting that this new release is causing discussion, even among fans of the original. We’ll explore the reasons behind that later, but first, let’s talk about what you can expect…

4K/60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S

As a fan, I’m really excited to hear the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of the game are going to push the visuals! We’re talking up to 4K resolution and a smooth 60 frames per second. Plus, the team who did such a great job with the PC version – Double Eleven – is back, so I’m expecting the graphics to be just as stunning, if not even better! Things like how far you can see and the quality of the shadows should be top-notch, just like on PC, which currently looks incredible.

DLSS and Mouse Controls on Switch 2

Good news for those getting a new Nintendo Switch 2! While we don’t yet know the screen resolution when playing on a TV or in handheld mode, the system will deliver smooth 60 frames per second gameplay and take advantage of DLSS technology for improved graphics. Plus, it’s adding a feature not seen before on Nintendo consoles: mouse support, which will give players more precise aiming options.

HDR Support

No matter what gaming console you use, you’ll get a better experience with high dynamic range (HDR) enabled. This game, set in a beautifully recreated 1911 America, looks stunning – from the bright sunrise to riding across the plains at sunset. HDR makes everything appear more realistic, pulling you deeper into the game world.

Free Upgrades

If you already own Red Dead Redemption on older consoles like the PlayStation 4 or Nintendo Switch, and you purchased it when it was re-released in 2023, you can upgrade to the current-generation version for free. Plus, if you have a PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium subscription, you’ll have access to both the PS4 and PS5 versions when they launch – that’s a bonus!

Okay, so getting this to work on Xbox is a little more involved. You actually need the original game, but the one that works on Xbox One thanks to backwards compatibility. The good news is, once you have that, you can upgrade to the newer version for free, which is awesome!

Cross-Gen Saves

To make things even better, your saved progress from the PlayStation 4 and original Nintendo Switch will carry over to the PlayStation 5 and the new Nintendo Switch 2. If you started playing a while back hoping for a free upgrade to the latest consoles, you were right! Sadly, this doesn’t seem to be the case for Xbox players. Rockstar hasn’t said anything about it, and there’s no mention of it on the Microsoft Store.

What the Heck is Going on?

Many people are wondering why Red Dead Redemption is being re-released, particularly with rumors circulating about an updated version of its sequel. This re-release is essentially a standalone story that acts as a prequel to Red Dead Redemption 2, starring John Marston. He’s forced by the government to track down former members of the Van der Linde Gang. We won’t reveal too much to avoid spoilers, but it’s a truly grand adventure.

The Good Ol’ Days

Dan Houser, a former lead writer on the game, describes the first Red Dead Redemption in a simple way: it avoided things like machine guns (except in fixed locations), cars, big cities, and large crowds. It focused on a single character traveling on horseback through the desert, and despite this simplicity, it’s considered one of the most beloved open-world games ever made. The game features a fictionalized version of the American West, estimated to be around 11.984 square miles in size. While smaller than the map in Red Dead Redemption 2 (which is about 29 square miles), it’s still a pretty expansive world to explore.

Robbing, Hunting, and Shooting

The real joy of the game comes from exploring the world – stumbling upon unexpected events, befriending and riding different horses, and simply enjoying the beautiful landscapes. Beyond the main story, you can also complete side quests, hunt animals, and collect plants (though, surprisingly, you can’t fish). John Marston can also try his hand at arm wrestling, search for buried treasure, test his shooting skills in challenges, drive cattle, rob trains, clear out gang hideouts, and, personally, I love playing Five Finger Fillet.

The (Bounty) Hunter and The Hunted

You can also earn money by bounty hunting – tracking down wanted criminals, either capturing them or eliminating them. Bringing them in alive is a good way to show off your roping skills and actually pays more. But be careful – if you commit enough crimes, bounties will be placed on you, attracting bounty hunters unless you pay a fine or use a pardon.

Honor System

How people see John Marston – as a hero or a villain – depends on the choices you make. A high Honor level means townsfolk will welcome you and trust you enough to leave horses unattended. But a low Honor level will make people wary and reluctant to help. This system really lets you shape the kind of outlaw you want to be, and it works great.

Combat and Dead Eye

While not as comprehensive as Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption still provides a classic arsenal of weapons like revolvers, shotguns, and rifles for shootouts. You can use cover to carefully aim at enemies, or you can fire blindly. Shooting for limbs can disable opponents, but the series is best known for its Dead Eye ability. This mechanic slows down time, letting you precisely target multiple enemies. When it ends, John Marston unleashes a rapid burst of bullets, hitting all marked targets at once – making every encounter feel like a classic Western showdown.

What’s in This Re-Release?

You’re familiar with Red Dead Redemption, but what’s new in this re-release? It’s built on the Game of the Year Edition, meaning you get the original game, the Undead Nightmare expansion (which isn’t part of the main story), and bonus outfits from downloadable content like Hunting and Trading. Plus, you’ll have access to single-player perks like the Golden Guns (for increased Fame), the Deadly Assassin outfit (for faster Dead Eye recharge), the War Horse, and other extras.

What’s Not Included

Unfortunately, this version doesn’t offer any multiplayer options, which is a significant drawback considering how strong the original game was in that area. You won’t find competitive modes, the ability to team up with friends to raid gang hideouts, or any of the extra content from previous packs like maps and characters from Legends and Killers, or the co-op missions from Outlaws to the End. Even simple things like racing against other players aren’t included.

Playtime

As a huge fan, I’d say finishing the main story of Red Dead Redemption takes around 18 hours, but if you’re like me and want to explore everything, it’ll easily be 26 hours or more. And if you really want to 100% the game, expect to spend about 46 hours! Plus, don’t forget Undead Nightmare – that adds another 6 to 8 hours if you do everything. Seriously, there’s so much to do in this game!

Why You Should Play it

So, is it worth buying now, considering how old it is and the price? That’s a personal call, honestly. But if you’ve never played Red Dead Redemption before, you absolutely should. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles or the massive world of newer games, but the story and characters are just incredible, and that really holds up even today.

Read More

2025-12-01 21:19