"Red Dead Redemption" Gets Two Physical Editions — Whether It’s Worth It Comes Down to This Point

This is pretty simple. Rockstar isn’t releasing just one physical edition, but two at once.
Red Dead Redemption will launch through physical retail channels on PS5 and Switch 2, with the same release date and the same price.
According to insider billbil-kun, both versions are set for May 7, 2026, priced at €34.99, equivalent to about RMB 281.09.
The Undead Nightmare included in the digital version will also be included in this physical release, with no content cut.

The key point isn’t whether there is a physical edition. The key point is which one is truly physical.
The PS5 version currently looks like the standard approach, suitable for those who want to collect it, display the box, and avoid the hassle of downloading.
The Switch 2 version, however, is a “boxed download code”: there is only a code in the box, no cartridge.
This type of version has lower collectible value and resale value. Calling it physical isn’t wrong, but players will make their own distinctions.

The two versions are priced the same, which makes the issue clear.
For the same €34.99, PS5 players are getting a physical product closer to the traditional understanding of one, while Switch 2 players are getting something more like a digital version in retail packaging.
If all you care about is whether you can play it, the difference isn’t big; if you care about resale, preservation, and a sense of ownership, the difference is significant.
So this time, it’s not a platform choice—it’s a format choice.

From the publisher’s perspective, this isn’t hard to understand either.
Re-releasing an old game means controlling distribution costs is more realistic than piling on deluxe packaging. In particular, the Switch 2 “boxed download code” route is essentially about reducing spending on the physical side.
The problem is that players’ expectations for the word “physical” have never been limited to just a box.
What Rockstar is selling this time isn’t a surprise, but a very standard re-release.

The buying advice is also straightforward.
If you want to collect this title, prioritize the PS5 version; if you just want to buy it and play through it, pick whichever platform is more convenient.
If you’re a Switch 2 player and are naturally put off by download-code physical editions, there’s no need to spend extra emotional energy on the box.
The pre-order date has not been announced yet. Those eager to grab it at launch can keep waiting, but lower your expectations first—this isn’t a release that’s going to bring you any extra surprises.