Grand Theft Auto VI is closing in on its November 19 launch as anticipation for the game of the decade builds. Ahead of the launch, Nintendo of America president, Devon Pritchard, has deflected rumours about a Switch 2 release, stating it is a matter for Take-Two and Rockstar Games.
When asked by Variety if the Switch 2 could accommodate GTA VI this November, Pritchard chose to deflect. "That is going to be a conversation for Take-Two and Rockstar, but there is nothing to announce on my end at this time," Pritchard said.
For now, it is a disappointment for Switch 2 fans hoping for Vice City madness this November. However, according to reports, Rockstar has other titles it could bring to the console.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is not on Switch 2, despite being on PS4 and Xbox Series X/S, and GTA V has never been brought to Nintendo Switch. Currently, GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2 are two of the four top-selling games of all time absent from the Switch 2, alongside PUBG and Wii Sports.
While the Switch 2 is the only modern handheld console not receiving GTA 6 this fall, it is confirmed to receive a first-party exclusive: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, rolling out on November 5, two weeks before the launch of GTA 6. Industry analysts suggest that the hardware limitations of the Switch 2 compared to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X might be the primary hurdle for Rockstar Games.
Porting such a massive open-world title requires significant optimization, which may not align with the current development roadmap of the studio. Despite this, the gaming community remains hopeful.
The success of previous ports on Nintendo hardware has proven that there is a massive market for high-fidelity experiences on portable devices. Whether Rockstar decides to invest the resources into a Switch 2 version remains the biggest question in the gaming industry today.
As the November 19 date approaches, all eyes are on Take-Two Interactive's quarterly earnings call, where investors are expected to press for more details regarding platform availability and potential future expansions for the title. For Nintendo, the focus remains on their own ecosystem.
By prioritizing first-party titles like The Legend of Zelda, they aim to maintain their unique market position, regardless of whether third-party giants like Rockstar choose to join the platform. Ultimately, the decision rests with the developers.
Until an official statement is released, fans are advised to manage their expectations and enjoy the upcoming releases already confirmed for the platform.