In a surprising development that could reshape the gaming landscape, Rockstar Games is reportedly conducting technical tests to determine whether the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI can run on Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 console.
Testing Grounds: GTA 6 Meets Switch 2
According to reliable industry insider Nate The Hate, Rockstar Games has initiated preliminary testing to assess the feasibility of bringing their blockbuster title to Nintendo's next-generation hardware. The insider clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that these tests don't guarantee an eventual release, stating: "I said a while ago that [Rockstar] was doing tests to bring it to Switch 2; but tests don't always equal release."
Nate The Hate further elaborated on November 17, 2025, explaining: "I know an effort has been made to see if they can bring it to the platform. I don't know the current state of that effort." When followers interpreted his comments as confirmation of an actual Switch 2 port, he quickly tempered expectations, emphasising that "experimenting doesn't equal 'in development'" and that companies frequently conduct such technical assessments.
Mature Gaming on Nintendo's Platform
This testing initiative aligns with broader industry trends seeing more third-party studios exploring opportunities to bring mature-rated games to Nintendo's traditionally family-friendly ecosystem. The Switch 2 already boasts an impressive lineup of sophisticated titles either scheduled for release or already available, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring.
Rockstar's own Red Dead Redemption has recently been confirmed for a Switch 2 port, signalling the company's renewed interest in Nintendo's platform. This renewed relationship makes strategic sense given Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick's positive comments earlier this year about the Switch 2, where he stated the company would evaluate Nintendo releases on a case-by-case basis, noting: "We obviously want to be where the consumers are."
Industry-Wide Shift Towards Nintendo
The potential for major titles appearing on Switch 2 extends beyond Rockstar's portfolio. During a recent episode of The Game Business Show, when host Christopher Dring jokingly referenced waiting for a Switch 2 version of the massively successful live service game Helldivers 2, Arrowhead Game Studios CEO Shams Jorjani responded intriguingly with: "We'll see, we'll see. That's again, above my pay grade by a couple of tiers."
Meanwhile, Xbox lead Phil Spencer has repeatedly committed to bringing more Microsoft-published games to Switch 2, though beyond circulating rumours about Halo and Microsoft Flight Simulator ports, no official announcements have materialised yet.
This collective industry movement represents a significant shift from Nintendo's historical positioning as the most family-conscious hardware manufacturer. With Rockstar experimenting with GTA 6 on Switch 2 and other major publishers expressing interest, Nintendo's next console could potentially host the most diverse and mature gaming library in the company's history.
