It’s no secret that people have been clamouring for a re-release of Rockstar’s iconic 2010 game,Red Dead Redemption. A feeling that has only grown increasingly heightened sinceRed Dead Redemption 2came into the picture in 2018. Whether due to a lack of a PS3 or Xbox 360 or just because we missed the train, for many of us, RDR2 was our introduction to the characters that push the plot of Red Dead Redemption forward.

RELATED:Hardest Achievements To Unlock In Red Dead Redemption

Now, you can bring Red Dead Redemption anywhere — through your Nintendo Switch. It’s the whole ‘wild’ west in the palm of your hands. Whether it’s worth the investment, however, is a different question entirely. While there’s a Red Dead Redemption port for the Playstation 4, we’ll cover the Switch port specifically — what it costs, its length, and our thoughts.

Review

While several features here on TheGamer talk about Red Dead Redemption and its sequel, Red Dead Redemption 2, none speak to the specifics of the Nintendo Switch port. With that in mind, I will give you some of my thoughts on the game.

I’ll be totally honest: I’ve never played Red Dead Redemption. I devoured its sequel like most other video game enthusiasts (ask me about Arthur Morgan and watchas I struggle to combat tears), but I never got around to playing the original game — its lack of PC port had a lot to do with that, frankly. So, it’s a little difficult for me to judge this game on its own merit since I’m already so familiar with RDR2 and to see where the port may falter.

John Marston covering with gun in Red Dead Redemption

That said, the port has played well for me thus far. While it definitely looks and feels its age, there’s confidence in its presentation. Its existence as a port almost seems to ask why even mess with such a classic and important entry in the video game catalogue. And, besides, just because it looks its age doesn’t mean it doesn’t still look incredible. New Hanover is beautiful to behold and well worth exploring.

As far as gameplay goes, the game is a little clunky, in the same way its sequel could be. John seems to move with purpose — that is to say, slowly. And while guiding a horse can feel a little weighty, there is a lot of joy to take from it. Besides, who can deny those vistas?

John Heading Through Barn Doors to Confront the Bureau and Other Lawmen in Red Dead Redemption

Gunplay is solid — and, of course, the Dead Eye mechanic can make even the most grating moments of combat an absolute ball. Besides, there are default cheats you’re able to enable in the game menu, so if you’re having a really bad time in a fight, that is always an option.

Overall, this is a great way to experience Red Dead Redemption, whether it’s your first time or not. And while the game is cinematic, I recommend playing in handheld mode if you’re so inclined — the smaller screen helps smooth out any of the wrinkles this decade-old game has gained in the last few years.

Red Dead Redemption 1 - John Marston aiming his gun in focus, with a town in the background

Cost

The Switch port of Red Dead Redemption is surprisingly pricey, considering the game’s age.

While it does come as a bundle with the much-beloved Undead Nightmare DLC,you’ll still be spending around $60.

Time Expenditure

Much like its sequel, Red Dead Redemption 2, is a decently beefy game.HowLongToBeat puts the main campaignat around 18 hours. However, who is playing a Rockstar game just to rush through the main story when there is so much to see and do?

If you’re looking for afuller experience and want to dive into some side content, the game will take youupward of 26 hours. And, if you’re a real stickler for content and want100 percent completion, be prepared to spend around46 hoursas beloved outlaw John Marston.

But wait, there’s more! If you’re prepared for some spooky scares, the zombie-themed DLC pack,Undead Nightmare, will give you an additional seven hours of content, according to HowLongToBeat.

If you’re perusing side quests as you play, that will bring your play time to eight hours. And, if you’re one of those cowboys with the urge to do 100 percent completion, that will bring your total time to 13 hours.

What People Are Saying

Pretty Solid - Joe Parlock

It’s pretty solid! I’d say it’s an improvement over the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions but doesn’t match the newer consoles or even Xbox One X update that was released a couple of years ago. It performs at a steady 30 frames per second and the resolution sits at 1080p while docked and 720p while portable — which I think is the same as it was back on the 360. Aside from the price, it’s not a bad way to play it.