As we inch closer to Grand Theft Auto 6’s late 2025 release window, one question keeps resurfacing in gaming circles: Could Rockstar’s blockbuster actually come to Nintendo’s next console? While the idea would have been laughable just a few years ago, the newly revealed Nintendo Switch 2 has changed the conversation entirely. With confirmed ports of graphically demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring, the possibility of GTA 6 on Switch 2 has transformed from pure fantasy to legitimate speculation.
The Switch 2 Hardware Leap: Finally Powerful Enough?
The original Nintendo Switch, while revolutionary in its hybrid design, consistently struggled with modern AAA titles due to its modest hardware. Developers often had to make severe compromises to get games running, if they bothered porting them at all. But the Switch 2 represents a monumental generational leap – early reports suggest it’s about ten times more powerful than its predecessor, putting it roughly on par with a PlayStation 4 Pro in terms of raw capability.
This newfound power opens doors that were previously closed to Nintendo consoles. When CD Projekt Red confirms Cyberpunk 2077 is coming to Switch 2, and FromSoftware announces an Elden Ring port, it demonstrates that the system can handle modern open-world games that would have been impossible on the original Switch. While these ports will undoubtedly involve some visual compromises, the fact they’re happening at all suggests Rockstar might reconsider its traditional avoidance of Nintendo platforms for major GTA releases.
Why Rockstar Might Finally Bring GTA to Nintendo
Historically, Rockstar has treated Nintendo platforms as an afterthought when it comes to their flagship franchises. While we did get the poorly received GTA Trilogy Definitive Edition on Switch, neither GTA V nor Red Dead Redemption 2 ever made the jump. However, several factors make the Switch 2 a more compelling target for GTA 6:
First, the sheer size of Nintendo’s installed base – over 140 million Switch consoles sold – represents a massive potential market that Rockstar has largely ignored. Second, the Switch 2’s improved hardware means a port wouldn’t require the extreme downgrades that would have been necessary on the original Switch. Third, Nintendo appears to be making a concerted effort to attract more mature titles, as evidenced by the upcoming Switch 2 ports and Microsoft’s deal to bring Call of Duty to the platform.
Perhaps most importantly, the hybrid nature of the Switch 2 offers something no other platform can: true portability for one of gaming’s biggest franchises. The ability to play GTA 6 on the go could be a major selling point, even if the graphics take a hit compared to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions.
What Would a Switch 2 Version of GTA 6 Look Like?
If Rockstar does bring GTA 6 to Switch 2, players should temper their expectations regarding visual fidelity. Based on how other demanding games are being adapted, we can make some educated guesses about the compromises that might be necessary:
The game would likely run at 720p in handheld mode and 1080p when docked, compared to the 4K targets of other consoles. Draw distances would probably be reduced, and the famously dense crowds of Vice City might be thinned out to maintain performance. A stable 30 frames per second would be the target rather than the 60 FPS that will likely be standard on PS5 and Xbox Series X.
However, these trade-offs might be acceptable to many players if it means having GTA 6 in a portable form factor. The success of the Steam Deck has proven there’s significant demand for playing AAA games on the go, and Nintendo’s established portable dominance could make a Switch 2 version surprisingly popular despite the graphical compromises.
The Business Case for a Switch 2 Port
From Rockstar’s perspective, a Switch 2 version of GTA 6 could make strong financial sense. While the game will undoubtedly sell tens of millions of copies on PlayStation and Xbox regardless, the Nintendo audience represents largely untapped potential. The Switch 2 is expected to sell extremely well out of the gate, and having GTA 6 available could drive additional hardware sales while giving Rockstar access to millions of potential new customers.
The timing also works in favor of a potential port. If GTA 6 launches in late 2025 as rumored, a Switch 2 version could follow in 2026 as a “complete edition” or enhanced port, similar to how GTA V was re-released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One a year after its initial launch. This staggered release strategy would allow Rockstar to focus on the primary console versions first while still capitalizing on the Switch 2’s growing install base later.
Also, Read
- GTA 5 Player Hunts Down and Eliminates Every NPC – Here’s What Happened
- GTA 6 Second Trailer Release Potentially Delayed – Here’s Why
- GTA 6 Release Window Leak – What Mafia’s Date Reveals
Don’t Count Nintendo Out Yet
While nothing is confirmed, the combination of Switch 2’s improved hardware, Nintendo’s push for more mature content, and Rockstar’s history of re-releasing GTA games makes this possibility far more plausible than it would have been in previous generations. If Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring perform well on the system, it could encourage Rockstar to finally bring its biggest franchise to Nintendo hardware in a meaningful way.
Would you buy GTA 6 on Switch 2 even with graphical compromises? How important is portability to you for massive open-world games? Share your thoughts in the comments below!