Rockstar Reloaded: RDR2 and GTA IV Remasters Rumored Before GTA6 Launch

Fans of Rockstar Games may be getting more than just Grand Theft Auto VI. New reports say that the studio is getting ready to release several re-releases and remasters before the release of its highly anticipated main game.

One of the most exciting new things is that Red Dead Redemption 2 might be ported to Nintendo's new Switch 2 console. Sources close to Rockstar say the port is a real project that is being worked on and could come out as early as late 2025. According to the same sources, this version might come out at the same time as a long-awaited next-gen update for Red Dead Redemption 2 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

This update will bring the game's graphics and performance up to date with modern standards. For the first time, people with Nintendo consoles could play Rockstar's Wild West epic, which meant that the game would have a whole new group of players. This update is seen as more than just a way to reach more people. It's also seen as a way to pass the time until GTA6 comes out in May 2026.

What does that have to do with GTA fans? Rockstar's most recent full-length game is Red Dead Redemption 2, which has a lot of the same gameplay mechanics, animations, and technical foundations that will be used in Grand Theft Auto VI. For the most part, it could be a great way to warm up and get ready for what's to come.

But Rockstar may have more plans than that.

There are also new rumors about a remake or remaster of Grand Theft Auto IV. Some say the game could come out later this year. This rumor became more likely after Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two Interactive, hinted in its most recent earnings call that four new versions of games that have already been released are planned to come out by April 2026. 

Three of these games have already been named Borderlands 4, Civilization VII VR, and Civilization VII for Switch 2. The fourth hasn't been announced yet, which has led to rumors that it might be a return to Liberty City with a better GTA4.

Fans would be able to play as characters like Niko Bellic, Johnny Klebitz, and Luis Lopez again, but this time with better graphics and performance. Even though it hasn't been confirmed, Rockstar's recent trend of updating older games makes the idea very likely. 

Also, it's important to note that this wouldn't be the same kind of overhaul as the GTA Trilogy remasters, which were made by outsiders. Instead, it's more likely to be like Rockstar's own Red Dead Redemption port for PC—slight improvements with a few fixes here and there instead of a complete rebuild.

One thing is for sure: Rockstar seems to be releasing smaller games at regular intervals to build up excitement for Grand Theft Auto VI. Not only do these remasters and ports bring back memories, but they also serve a useful purpose: They keep fans interested by releasing better versions of beloved classics and show how technology is changing in ways that will affect the next generation of Rockstar games.

The next few months could be full of surprises, whether you're a Switch fan who has never felt the pain of Arthur Morgan's story or a GTA veteran who can't wait to roam Liberty City again. Since Rockstar hasn't officially said yes or no to these projects, it's always best to be cautiously optimistic. But if the rumors are true, there may be some really great re-releases on the way to GTA6.