The Nintendo Switch 2 has a lot to prove when it's finally unveiled to the world. As with any new console, many players will be wondering what the Switch 2 has to offer in regard to its software line-up and enhancements to power and performance that exceed Nintendo's previous hardware. This pressure is only built upon by the new console's predecessor becoming one of the biggest successes in Nintendo's history, giving Switch 2 the difficult task of maintaining that momentum.

Fortunately, Nintendo may be looking to achieve just that with the Switch 2's lineup. Recent rumors have been suggesting that a highly-successful game could be making its way to Nintendo's latest console as a launch title. If this is indeed the case, this game could be the key to demonstrating the Switch 2's capabilities over its predecessor, while serving as a sign of the new console's potentially huge library of titles.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Is Rumored To Be Coming To Switch 2

The Game Could Be A Launch Title For The Console

Rumors and leaks suggest that Rockstar Games's critically-acclaimed title, Red Dead Redemption 2, will be making its way to Switch 2. A list by Still_Post_4126 was posted on Reddit, linking to multiple pre-made product pages that can be found on the website of French retailer FNAC for potential Switch 2 games. The list breaks down the prices and publishers associated with these pages, including Electronic Arts, Bandai Namco and Take-Two Interactive, the owner of Rockstar Games.

X (formerly Twitter) Bouboune0 then cross-referenced the EAN (European Article Number) for one of the listings with the French version of the Switch port for the original Red Dead Redemption, revealing that the numbers were incredibly similar. The suggests that this could mean Red Dead Redemption 2 will make its way to Switch 2, making both games in the series available on the console. Meanwhile, Average Lucia Fanatic (via Switch 2 Stock on X), who had accurately leaked the reveal of the PS5 Pro and Nintendo Alarmo, added to the rumors by claiming that RDR2 would also be a launch title for the system.

Of course, there's no way of telling whether these leaks or rumors are indeed true. Regardless, it has inevitably created tons of discussion among players online, and for good reason. RDR2 remains not only one of the most critically-acclaimed games of the last decade, but is frequently held among the greatest games ever made, while also holding the title as one of the best-selling video games of all time. Its addition to the Switch 2 would be a huge boost to the console's early success, providing players with another easily accessible way to play RDR2 on the go.

RDR2 Could Be The Perfect Stress Test For Switch 2

The Game Demands High Performance To Maintain Its Immersion

If RDR2 does end up releasing on the Switch 2, the game would serve as the perfect test of the new console's capabilities. It's no secret that RDR2 is a demanding game, testing the limits of other consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This is only compounded by the fact that RDR2 requires that the performance remain at a high level in order for players to be able to enjoy the full experience. RDR2 places huge emphasis on realism and immersion, with any performance mishap possibly ruining a player's suspension of disbelief.

RDR2's high demand is likely why the game never made its way to the Switch. The console lacks the power necessary to the huge titles that were released during its lifespan and the few that did would suffer the consequences. Whether it's The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's compressed visuals, or Hogwarts Legacy's horrendous load times, many titles made compromises in order to work on the Switch. RDR2's focus on creating a fully immersive experience for the player meant that any compromises could end up ruining the game, making its absence on the Switch all the more clear.

It's these exceedingly high demands that would make RDR2 a perfect way to demonstrate the Switch 2's capabilities. If the new console is able to provide an uncompromised version of RDR2, it gives players a clear visual example of the ways in which Switch 2 exceeds its predecessor in of power and performance. It would only add to the Switch 2's appeal by giving an exciting glimpse into many ambitious and expansive titles that could make their way to the console, making RDR2 a great potential launch title.

RDR2 On Switch Would Set A New Standard For Third-Party Games On Switch

Nintendo Often Has Weak Third-Party

RDR2's possible release on the Switch 2 would also be a major boost in showing the third-party players can expect to see on the new console. Despite being home to some huge third-party games, the Switch ultimately failed to break the trend of poor third-party on Nintendo consoles. While the company is often able to compensate for this with an amazing first-party lineup, it's disappointing that Nintendo fails to put greater focus on what is often a major selling point for consoles.

If RDR2 is brought to Switch 2, especially at the console's launch, it would send a powerful message regarding the higher standard of third-party that players can expect to see moving forward. A stronger lineup of third-party games would only increase the Switch 2's chances of success, as the console offers a wider range of experiences for players. Even if the Switch 2's third-party doesn't reach the level of its competitors, its improvement over the Switch would only broaden the new console's appeal.

While the rumors remain unconfirmed, it's hard to deny how RDR2 would be an amazing launch title for the Switch 2. Its inclusion would provide the perfect opportunity for Nintendo to show how its latest console improves on its predecessor and allows for more ambitious titles to make their way to the system. By adding such a highly successful title to the Nintendo Switch 2's lineup, Nintendo can better ensure that the new console will maintain the level of success the company has seen over the last eight years.

Sources: Still_Post_4126/Reddit, Bouboune0/X, Switch2Stock/X