A new report has revealed that "Red Dead Redemption 2's" present-gen version release for the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series S and X may be delayed, and it is all because of "Grand Theft Auto VI."
'Red Dead Redemption 2' PS5, Xbox Versions May Be Delayed
Gaming insider Nate the Hate shared on social media that Rockstar is simply holding off on releasing "Red Dead Redemption 2" until a more strategic time.
With "GTA VI" now locked into its November 2026 release date and preorders already live, there is currently no financial pressure pushing Rockstar to bring "RDR2" to current-generation platforms right now.
"Plans changed once 'Grand Theft Auto 6' maintained its release for November," the insider explained in response to a fan online. "The game can sit in a finished state and be released whenever Rockstar needs or wants."
"If 'GTA 6' were delayed, 'Red Dead Redemption 2' could have been used to soften the blow," he added. "With no delay, they can hold 'RDR 2' now."
Fans have been requesting a PS5 and Xbox Series S/X upgrade for the open-world western since both consoles launched back in 2020, and while reports have hinted at a release for years, Rockstar has never actually confirmed a new version of the game.
Or plans changed once GTA6 maintained its release for Nov. The game can sit in a finished state & release whenever Rockstar needs/wants.
— NateTheHate2 (@NateTheHate2) June 24, 2026
If GTA were delayed, RDR2 could have been used to soften the blow. With no delay... they can hold RDR2 now.
'GTA VI' Is Rockstar Games' Top Priority Now
According to ComicBook Gaming, this decision makes sense from a business standpoint, even if it disappoints fans who have waited years for an upgraded "Red Dead Redemption 2."
With "GTA VI" retailing for at least $80 and many players already locking in their preorders, Rockstar would likely struggle to convince the same audience to also pick up a refreshed version of "RDR2" within that same window.
Releasing both titles close together risks competing for the same dollars from the same player base, which makes spacing them out the more sensible move for Rockstar.
Given that reasoning, a current generation release for "Red Dead Redemption 2" appears far more likely sometime in 2027 or later, once the dust from "GTA VI's" launch settles.
'RDR2' Present Gen Version Is Still Coming
Despite the apparent delay, there is no indication that the PS5 and Xbox Series S/X versions of "Red Dead Redemption 2" have been canceled altogether.
Nate the Hate has built a reliable track record with past leaks, which suggests there remains a strong chance the game will eventually launch on current-generation consoles, even if that release is still a ways off.
This particular upgrade has been rumored for months at this point, fueled largely by the fact that PS5 and Xbox Series S/X owners can still only play the PS4 and Xbox One versions of "Red Dead Redemption 2" through backward compatibility.
There is no native current-generation version available, which has kept anticipation alive among players who want to experience the game with modern hardware improvements.
Given how popular "Red Dead Redemption 2" remains years after its original release, demand for that upgrade has not faded, and fans continue to treat it as one of the more anticipated current-generation ports still left unannounced.
In the meantime, fans should expect Rockstar's full attention to remain on "Grand Theft Auto VI" in the months leading up to its November 19 release across PS5 and Xbox Series S/X.
