The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated Red Dead Redemption for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, hinting at an upcoming remaster. The mature rating includes elements like blood, gore, intense violence, and zombies from the Undead Nightmare expansion. While no release date is confirmed, the rating suggests a native current-gen version is in development.
Rating Details
Red Dead Redemption, originally released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, has received an ESRB rating of M (Mature) for its potential remaster. The rating cites blood and gore, intense violence, strong language, sexual content, and other factors typical of the Western action-adventure game. Notably, the description mentions gun fights with zombies, indicating that the Undead Nightmare expansion will likely be included in this version.
Background and Rumors
Rumors of a Red Dead Redemption remaster have circulated for the past couple of years. Currently, the game is playable on PS5 via the PS4 backward compatibility version, though not fully optimized, and on Xbox Series X/S through Xbox 360 backward compatibility. This new ESRB rating points to a native release for next-generation consoles, including the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.
No official release date accompanies the rating, but its emergence implies the remaster could arrive soon. Separate summer rumors suggested a next-gen update for Red Dead Redemption 2, along with a Switch 2 port, though it's unclear if these are connected or if details have been mixed up.
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed optimism about the Switch 2 during a May financial briefing. "Historically being a third-party in the Nintendo business has been a bit challenging," he said. "I think Nintendo's been very forthcoming in addressing that, and we're stepping up too because we have great optimism for the platform."
This development revives interest in Rockstar Games' classic title, potentially bringing enhanced visuals and performance to modern hardware.