Virtuos has sparked fresh excitement among fans by expressing interest in bringing Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2 to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. While no official port has been announced, the studio’s comments suggest that such projects are at least being seriously considered behind the scenes.
The discussion comes at a time when expectations for Nintendo’s next console are steadily rising, particularly around its ability to handle more demanding AAA titles. If these ports materialize, they could mark a major shift in what handheld gaming devices are capable of delivering.
Virtuos Shows Interest in Rockstar Ports
In an interview with Pocket Tactics, Virtuos technical director Andy Fong shared the studio’s enthusiasm for adapting Rockstar’s open-world games.
“[The] team is eager to adapt Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2 for the Nintendo Switch,”
Fong said. He added that the team believes both titles could “shine again on the Switch,” reflecting confidence in the new hardware’s potential.
The statement carries weight due to Virtuos’ experience in handling complex ports. The studio previously collaborated with Rockstar Games on bringing L.A. Noire to the original Switch, a project that successfully translated a large-scale title to a portable system.
Although GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2 are known for their scale and technical demands, they were originally built for older console generations. This makes them more feasible candidates for modern handheld hardware.
Devices like the Steam Deck have already demonstrated that both titles can run smoothly on portable systems, even with limited resources. With the Nintendo Switch 2 expected to feature upgraded performance, industry observers see these ports as increasingly realistic.
Virtuos’ current involvement in projects like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered for Switch 2 further reinforces the studio’s ability to adapt large, open-world experiences for new hardware.
Longstanding Relationship With Nintendo and Rockstar
Virtuos’ connection with both Nintendo and Rockstar could play a crucial role in making these ports happen. According to developer Jake DiGennaro, the collaboration on L.A. Noire was initiated through Nintendo itself.
“We’d long admired Rockstar… when Nintendo opened the door to exploring a collaboration, we didn’t hesitate,”
DiGennaro said, highlighting the mutual respect between the teams. He also noted that there was “near-instant chemistry” during development.
This established partnership increases the likelihood of future collaborations, although no official confirmation has been made regarding new ports.
What About GTA 6 on Switch 2?
While older Rockstar titles may find their way to the Switch 2, Grand Theft Auto VI appears unlikely to follow the same path, at least at launch. The upcoming game is expected to focus on high-end platforms like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles.
This suggests a strategic approach from Rockstar, where newer titles prioritize cutting-edge hardware, while older games are adapted for broader accessibility across platforms.
Fact Check: Are These Ports Confirmed?
It is important to clarify that no official announcement has been made regarding GTA 5 or Red Dead Redemption 2 coming to the Nintendo Switch 2. The current discussion is based on developer interest rather than confirmed plans.
However, the combination of improved hardware, proven porting expertise, and strong industry relationships makes the possibility credible. As anticipation for the Switch 2 continues to grow, these developments highlight the increasing demand for full-scale AAA experiences on handheld devices.
If realized, such ports could redefine expectations for portable gaming, bringing some of the industry’s biggest open-world titles to a new audience.
