Red Dead Redemption for free? Classic arrives on PS5, Switch 2, and Netflix with revamped graphics
The wait is over and the Old West has never been so alive. Rockstar Games surprised the market by launching, this week of December 2025, the native and enhanced version of Red Dead Redemption for the new generation of consoles and mobile devices. The classic, which defined the open-world genre, now arrives with full support for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the newcomer Nintendo Switch 2, in addition to a mobile version included in the Netflix subscription.
Rockstar’s strategic move not only revives the saga of John Marston with 4K textures and fluid performance but also democratizes access to the title, making it “for free” for millions of subscribers to streaming services and game catalogs on launch day.
New-Generation Graphics and the Power of Switch 2
Unlike the previously released port, this new version was rebuilt to take advantage of current hardware. On home consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series), players can finally gallop across the plains of New Austin at a solid 60 frames per second (FPS), with native 4K resolution and enhanced HDR support, eliminating the dated look of the original shadows and lighting.
The technical highlight, however, goes to the Nintendo Switch 2 version. According to preliminary analysis, Nintendo’s new console uses DLSS technology to deliver visual quality surprisingly close to home consoles, while maintaining portability. The update also includes the acclaimed horror expansion, Undead Nightmare, at no additional cost.
How to Play for Free: Netflix and PS Plus
The big draw for the casual audience is the title’s arrival on the Netflix Games catalog. Subscribers to the streaming service can download the mobile version (iOS and Android) directly through the Netflix app, with no in-app purchases or ads. For console players, the game entered directly into the PlayStation Plus catalog (Extra and Deluxe tiers) and the GTA+ service.
For those who intend to play on mobile, the optimization is impressive but requires decent hardware. Check out the recommended requirements released:
- Android: Android 11 or higher, 6GB of RAM (Snapdragon series 8 processors or equivalent).
- iOS: iPhone 11 or newer.
- Features: Customizable touch controls and Bluetooth gamepad support.
Other December Releases: The Month of Giants
Although Red Dead steals the scene for its nostalgia factor, December 2025 is proving to be historic. Today, December 4th, also marks the official launch of the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond for the Nintendo ecosystem, creating a fierce competition for players’ attention this holiday season.
If you’re looking to understand which console offers the best performance for these releases, check out our [new generation hardware comparative analysis] to decide where to invest your gaming hours.
