We thought that the run of Red Dead Redemption on modern consoles had stopped at the digital upgrade released at the end of 2025. However, Rockstar Games discreetly prepares a new salvo with a so-called “physical” edition on PS5 and above all Nintendo Switch 2expected in early May 2026, which is likely to please fans very much.
The current-gen upgrade on December 2, 2025 put John Marston back in the spotlight on PS5, Xbox Series and Switch 2, but only digitally, to the great regret of collectors. Since then, a succession of leaks, including an English player having already received a Switch 2 box via Vinted, clearly announces the arrival of a boxed version. It remains to be seen what exactly this surprise release hides, its precise date, its price and the differences between consoles.
Red Dead Redemption in box on PS5 and Switch 2: what really happened behind the scenes?
It all started with a listing at the Spanish retailer Wakkapwhich displayed a physical PS5 edition of Red Dead Redemption dated May 7, 2026 before being quickly withdrawn. The French insider billbil-kun then confirmed on Dealabs the arrival of physical PS5 and Switch 2 editions in Europe, with the base game and the expansion Undead Nightmare. The specialized site Rockstar Intel in turn relayed the information, transforming the rumor into near certainty.
Latest twist to date: a player based in Lincoln, United Kingdom, managed to purchase a Switch 2 box in advance via the Vinted platform, as noted Rockstar Intel. Bad surprise when opening, the “physical version” only contains a download code. In France, product sheets briefly appeared at Micromania before being withdrawn, which suggests a coordinated launch in Europe.
Physical version Red Dead Redemption: what is the interest for PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 players?
On PS5players will be entitled to a real Blu-ray cake in the box. The disc brings together Red Dead Redemption, Undead Nightmare and the current-gen upgrade, with a cleaner image and more stable frame rate than the original versions. For collectors and those who favor disc media, this is the most consistent version.
On Nintendo Switch 2the situation is more nuanced: the famous “physical” edition is limited to a box containing a simple download code, without a cartridge. The content remains the same, with the possibility of experiencing the adventure on the go, but long-term conservation and resale are limited. According to information reported by Rockstar Intelowners of the current Switch 2 digital version benefit from a free upgrade, provided they have the game up to date, which further reduces the interest in buying the box if you have already gone digital.
Red Dead Redemption: date, price, availability… and what that means for Red Dead Redemption 2
The various leaks converge towards a European release on May 7, 2026 on PS5 and Switch 2, for a price of around €34.99. This is significantly less than the digital launch price set at €49.99, a saving of around fifteen euros for those who were waiting for a boxed version. In France, we can reasonably expect pre-orders from Micromania and major online sites, with possibly some quick promotions after the release.
Should I go back to checkout? On PS5, the full disc edition at a reduced price may be worth it if you haven’t yet jumped on the 2025 upgrade. On Switch 2, the box without cartridge is mainly aimed at collectors ready to accept the all-download compromise. In the background, this maneuver maintains the flame around the license while Rockstar Games concentrates most of its forces on GTA 6and raises expectations around a real current-gen version of Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2026, often mentioned in rumors. The most impatient cowboys will see it as another step towards the return of the saga on new generation consoles.