How Would GTA 5 Look Like on Nintendo Switch?

A tech enthusiast has managed to run Grand Theft Auto 5 on a Nintendo Switch, with intriguing results.

While the game’s performance was far from optimal, the experiment offers a glimpse into the potential of the Switch platform.

The Grand Experiment

Grand Theft Auto 5, despite nearing its tenth anniversary, continues to be a commercial juggernaut, with over 180 million units sold to date.

A YouTuber, Geekerwan, attempted to run the game on the Nintendo Switch using the Linux operating system.

The results were less than stellar, with frame rates averaging between 6 to 8 frames per second.

However, this experiment raises the question of whether a version of the game optimized for the Switch could perform better.

The Power of the Switch

The Nintendo Switch, while not as powerful as other gaming platforms, has proven its ability to run demanding games.

Rockstar Games has already released Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition on the Switch, but the flagship title, Grand Theft Auto 5, has yet to make an appearance on the platform.

The Performance Results

In the experiment, Geekerwan managed to run Grand Theft Auto 5 on the Switch by using the Linux operating system, effectively transforming the console into a Steam Deck or an ASUS ROG Ally.

However, the console struggled to handle the game’s open world, even at lower graphics settings. The frame rate hovered around 6 to 8 frames per second, making the game essentially unplayable.

Implications for Grand Theft Auto 6

The performance of Grand Theft Auto 5 on the Nintendo Switch could have implications for the potential release of Grand Theft Auto 6 on the platform.

If the Switch struggles to run a decade-old title, it’s possible that Rockstar Games might decide to skip the console for the sequel.

However, it’s worth noting that an official version of the game optimized for the Switch could potentially perform better.

Now, the greater question is: would it run smoothly on the rumored Switch 2? Not quite sure, but we’re getting there.