GTA VI On Nintendo Switch 2: What NateTheHate Actually Said And Why Tests Do Not Equal A Release

22 November 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
11 min.
WhatsAppMessengerLinkedInRedditPinterestBufferSMS
GTA VI On Nintendo Switch 2: What NateTheHate Actually Said And Why Tests Do Not Equal A Release

Summary:

Grand Theft Auto VI has officially been announced for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X S, with a release date set for November 19, 2026, and no Nintendo version confirmed so far. At the same time, the community is buzzing about a new wave of chatter around a possible Nintendo Switch 2 version, sparked by leaker Nash Weedle and then grounded a little by well known commentator NateTheHate. Nash Weedle claimed that work is underway on a Switch 2 port, which naturally sent hope and hype soaring among Nintendo fans. Shortly after, NateTheHate stepped in and explained that Rockstar had tested GTA VI on the upcoming hardware, but reminded everyone that internal testing does not automatically turn into a retail release. That single point is where many conversations go off the rails. In what follows we untangle the claims, lay out what Rockstar has actually confirmed, and talk through why a test build on Nintendo Switch 2 is interesting but not the same thing as a promise. By the end, you will have a clear sense of what is signal, what is noise, and how to enjoy the speculation without setting yourself up for disappointment.

Grand Theft Auto VI on Nintendo Switch 2 rumors explained

When people saw the phrase “GTA VI is coming to Nintendo Switch 2” attached to Nash Weedle, it spread fast. The idea of Rockstar’s gigantic open world crime saga running on Nintendo’s next hybrid is exciting, so it makes sense that social feeds lit up in record time. Underneath that excitement, though, the situation is more nuanced. Nash Weedle stated that work is being done on a Switch 2 port, framing it almost as a sure thing. Not long after, My Nintendo News and forums picked up the story, and the message many players walked away with was simple: GTA VI is basically locked in for Switch 2, just a bit later than the other versions. That is where NateTheHate’s comment matters, because he brought the conversation back down to earth and separated what he had actually heard from the assumptions that snowballed around it.

What NateTheHate actually said about Rockstar’s tests

NateTheHate’s message is short, clear, and easy to distort if you only read it second hand. He said that some time ago he heard Rockstar was running tests to see if they could bring GTA VI to Nintendo Switch 2. He added that tests do not always lead to a release and that he does not know the current status of that work. In other words, he confirmed that an effort existed at one point to explore the hardware, not that a finished port has been greenlit or scheduled. That distinction is huge. Developers prototype things all the time that never see the light of day, from internal tech demos to experiments on platforms that are later dropped. Nate’s comment is better read as “Rockstar at least looked into this seriously” rather than “prepare your pre orders.” By urging caution, he essentially asked fans to enjoy the possibility without turning it into a promise.

Where the Nash Weedle claim came from and why it blew up

Nash Weedle’s message arrived first and spoke with much more certainty. He said that he could confirm work on a GTA VI version for Switch 2 and even suggested that the game’s delay was not linked to this port and that it would likely arrive after the main console launch. Presented in that tone, it reads like confident inside knowledge rather than a cautious whisper. That style is exactly why it caught fire among players who desperately want a portable version. Forums like NeoGAF and GameFAQs quickly amplified the leak, with some users pointing to Nash’s previous hits and others expressing skepticism. When one person sounds confident and another warns that tests do not guarantee a launch, it is tempting to pick the message that fits your hopes. Yet if we strip away the emotional pull, the only new thing we can safely say is that multiple people are hearing about experiments and possible work, not that Rockstar has publicly confirmed anything beyond the already announced platforms.

What “testing” GTA VI on Nintendo Switch 2 actually means

The word “tests” sounds mysterious, but for a studio like Rockstar it usually covers a wide range of experiments. Engineers might bring a small slice of the game to new hardware to judge performance, memory use, and streaming costs. Artists might check how far they can push textures, lighting, and crowds before the frame rate tanks. Producers will then look at the numbers and ask uncomfortable questions like “How much time and money would it take to make this viable?” None of that work commits the studio to a release. In fact, running tests is often how a studio decides not to move forward on a platform. It is similar to trying on a jacket in a store: you are clearly interested, but you only buy it if the fit, price, and future use all line up. Nate’s choice of words hints at exactly that stage of evaluation rather than at a final decision to ship.

Why technical success alone does not guarantee a Switch 2 launch

Even if Rockstar managed to get GTA VI running decently on Switch 2 in a lab environment, that does not automatically translate into a commercial product. Technical proof of concept is only one piece of the puzzle. The team would have to design visual cutbacks that preserve the mood of Leonida and Vice City without making the game look flat next to other versions. Network features would need to hold up. Load times, streaming, and memory management would need to feel acceptable on a portable device that can be picked up and put down at any moment. On top of that, the studio has to weigh whether dedicating people to a Switch 2 version might slow work on updates, expansions, or other platforms. From Rockstar’s perspective, it is not enough that the game runs at all. It has to run well enough, sell in large enough numbers, and fit into a long term strategy that already spans years of post launch support.

What Rockstar has officially confirmed about GTA VI platforms

When we step away from leaks and look at official statements, the picture becomes much simpler. Rockstar and parent company Take Two have confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI is in development for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X S, with no mention of Nintendo platforms so far. The game was first announced with a 2025 launch window, then pegged to May 2026, and has now been delayed to November 19, 2026. Every time the companies speak publicly, the message about platforms remains the same: current generation Sony and Microsoft consoles only. There is no press release, trailer, or corporate filing that lists Nintendo Switch 2. That does not mean a port is impossible in the long run, but it does mean that right now anything involving Switch 2 exists in the realm of rumor, speculation, and behind the scenes exploration rather than firm plans.

How Nintendo Switch 2 could, in theory, handle GTA VI

Technical conversations around GTA VI on Switch 2 often orbit one simple question: can the hardware keep up? While full specifications and final performance targets are still evolving, several tech previews and reports argue that Nintendo’s next system aims roughly at Xbox Series S territory when used in docked mode, especially when paired with modern upscaling techniques. Coverage of a Fortnite build running on Switch 2 compared it favorably to the Series S version, suggesting that this hardware is not stuck in the shadow of last generation but instead plays in a flexible mid tier. That matters because GTA VI is confirmed for Xbox Series S, which sets a baseline for what the game can scale down to. If Switch 2 can approach that profile using tricks like DLSS to stretch resolution, a port becomes less of a fantasy and more of a question of engineering priorities and compromises.

The business case Rockstar would need to see

Rockstar and Take Two are not just chasing technical milestones, they are chasing huge sales. Grand Theft Auto V has sold over 200 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best selling games in history, and expectations for VI are understandably enormous. At the same time, the combined install base of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X S is smaller than the old PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 generation that GTA V launched into, and the broader economy is tighter. That gives publishers more reason to consider every major platform that can realistically support their flagship projects. Nintendo Switch 2 is already attracting strong pre orders and is poised to grow quickly, much like the original Switch. For Rockstar, a successful port could put GTA VI in front of tens of millions of additional players. The flip side is risk: the work must not damage their reputation with a version that feels compromised, and the potential revenue must clearly outweigh the cost of building and supporting yet another SKU.

Rockstar’s history with Nintendo hardware and what it suggests

Looking back at Rockstar’s previous engagement with Nintendo platforms gives helpful context. The studio has dipped its toes into Nintendo ecosystems before with games like Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars on DS and GTA The Trilogy Definitive Edition on the original Switch. Those projects show that the company is not opposed on principle to working with Nintendo hardware. At the same time, the studio tends to prioritize platforms where it expects a core audience of players who want the most cutting edge audiovisual experience. That is why PlayStation and Xbox have historically seen the earliest and most expansive support. When a Nintendo version does appear, it often comes later, with adjustments that fit the power profile and audience. If a Switch 2 version of GTA VI ever happens, history suggests it would likely follow that pattern: arriving after the main launch, carefully cut back, and framed as a way to bring a huge experience to a portable machine rather than as the definitive way to play.

How players can manage expectations around leaks and tests

It is easy to get swept up in the thrill of leaks, especially when they line up with what you already want. Reading declarations that a GTA VI Switch 2 port is “confirmed” feels great if you love Nintendo’s ecosystem and want to carry Vice City in your backpack. Still, the healthiest way to approach these claims is with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Treat them as possibilities, not promises. Separate what people know first hand from what they have heard second or third hand. Notice who emphasizes uncertainty, like NateTheHate, and who speaks as if every detail were locked in. Remind yourself that studios routinely test games on platforms that never receive public releases. If you keep that mindset, you can enjoy the speculation, debate performance targets with friends, and dream about gyro aiming in GTA VI without feeling burned if the final platform list never changes.

Signs to watch for if a Switch 2 version becomes real

So how would you know if a Nintendo Switch 2 version of GTA VI is truly on the way, not just something being kicked around behind the scenes? The strongest signal would be an official statement from Rockstar or Take Two in a press release, earnings call, or trailer. Short of that, industry reporters might uncover references in rating board listings or backend store data, which often leak upcoming versions early. Another clue could be Nintendo highlighting the game in its own showcases, such as a Direct focused on mature third party releases. Until anything like that appears, most chatter deserves to be labeled as rumor. If a Switch 2 port does become official, expect it to be framed carefully, with clear messaging about resolution, frame rate, and visual targets so players know exactly what they are buying. Until then, staying patient and grounded is the smartest move.

Why this rumor still matters even if nothing is confirmed

Even if GTA VI never ships on Nintendo Switch 2, the fact that people like Nash Weedle and NateTheHate are hearing about tests says something meaningful about where the industry is heading. It suggests that Nintendo’s next system is powerful enough to be taken seriously by studios building the largest games in the world, not just smaller spin offs. It also shows how hungry players are for parity across platforms. Many people do not want to choose between a comfortable handheld and the biggest releases of a generation. They want both. That pressure shapes publisher decisions more than we sometimes realize. So while it is wise to hold back on celebrating a port that does not officially exist, it is also fair to see this rumor cycle as a sign that Nintendo’s hardware direction and third party ambitions are aligned in a more promising way than in previous generations.

How we can enjoy GTA VI now without waiting on a Switch 2 miracle

At the end of the day, there is a full game to look forward to on platforms that are already confirmed. Rockstar has shown trailers that set the tone for Leonida and Vice City, introduced the duo of Jason and Lucia, and promised another huge open world saga. Nothing about the rumor whirlwind changes that core reality. If you own a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X S, you already know where you will play on day one. If you are holding out for a Nintendo Switch 2 version, the best approach is to treat it as a pleasant possibility rather than a requirement. You can follow news from official channels, keep an eye on big events, and revisit this entire topic if Rockstar ever adds a Nintendo logo to its platform lists. Until then, there is no harm in dreaming, as long as you keep one foot firmly planted in reality.

Conclusion

Grand Theft Auto VI on Nintendo Switch 2 sits in a strange but familiar space: somewhere between hopeful rumor and hard fact. Nash Weedle’s claim that work is underway on a port, combined with NateTheHate’s confirmation that Rockstar has at least tested the game on the hardware, gives fans a tantalizing glimpse of what could be. Yet the most important part of Nate’s message is his reminder that tests do not automatically become releases and that he does not know where things stand today. Officially, GTA VI is only announced for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X S, with a release scheduled for November 19, 2026. Everything else is noise until Rockstar or Take Two chooses to speak. For now, the smartest stance is hopeful realism. Enjoy the idea that Switch 2 is strong enough to be in the conversation, keep your expectations anchored to confirmed information, and let the future surprise you instead of trying to force it into shape ahead of time.

FAQs
  • Is GTA VI officially confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2 right now?
    • No. At the moment, Rockstar and Take Two only list PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X S as confirmed platforms for Grand Theft Auto VI. There has been no official announcement of a Switch 2 version.
  • What did NateTheHate actually say about GTA VI on Switch 2?
    • He said that he heard some time ago that Rockstar was running tests to bring GTA VI to Nintendo Switch 2, but he stressed that tests do not always equal a release and that he does not know the current status of that effort.
  • Why do people pay attention to Nash Weedle’s GTA 6 Switch 2 claim?
    • Nash Weedle framed his comment as a confirmation that work is underway on a Switch 2 port, which naturally grabbed attention among players who want a portable version. Some fans also point to previous leaks they feel were accurate, while others remain skeptical.
  • Could Nintendo Switch 2 realistically handle GTA VI from a technical perspective?
    • Reports and analysis comparing Fortnite on Switch 2 to the Xbox Series S version suggest that Nintendo’s new hardware can approach that level of performance when paired with modern upscaling techniques. Since GTA VI is coming to Series S, a port is at least technically plausible, though not guaranteed.
  • What should players do while waiting for clearer news about GTA VI on Switch 2?
    • The best approach is to follow official announcements from Rockstar, Nintendo, and Take Two, treat leaks as interesting but unconfirmed, and plan around the platforms that are already confirmed. If a Switch 2 version eventually becomes real, it will be announced loudly and clearly.
Sources
WhatsAppMessengerLinkedInRedditPinterestBufferSMS