GTA 5 Modders Achieve Milestone by Running Game on Nintendo Switch

In a remarkable feat, modders have successfully managed to get Rockstar's blockbuster hit, Grand Theft Auto 5, running on the Nintendo Switch. This unofficial port is a significant development for the gaming community, as it marks the closest thing to an official release of the game on the popular handheld console.

Since its initial launch in 2013, GTA 5 has maintained its status as one of the most successful and enduring games in the industry. With ongoing updates and a thriving online component, the game has continued to captivate players across multiple platforms and console generations. Despite its widespread availability, one platform notably absent from the list was the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo has traditionally maintained a family-friendly image, but this hasn't prevented mature-rated games from appearing on its systems. Grand Theft Auto itself made a recent appearance on Nintendo hardware with the release of GTA: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition in 2021. However, hopes for a GTA 5 port to the Switch were dashed following a Rockstar leak in December 2023, which revealed that such a port was never in the cards.

Despite these setbacks, a dedicated group of GTA modders known as Superstar South Studios has defied the odds by successfully porting the game to the Nintendo Switch. The group recently shared footage showcasing the game running on the Switch, a significant improvement from previous attempts that resulted in crashes before the game could even load.

The footage demonstrates the game running in handheld mode on the Switch without any overclocking. While the performance is not flawless, with some choppiness and texture issues, the fact that the game is playable up to the heist prologue chapter is a testament to the modders' skill and dedication.

This achievement was made possible in part by a source code leak for GTA 5 in December 2023, which provided modders with new possibilities for customising the game. Despite past hostility from Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, towards game modders, the Superstar South team has not received any legal threats.

While this unofficial port is a significant accomplishment, it's unlikely that Rockstar will officially bring GTA 5 or the upcoming GTA 6 to the Nintendo Switch. Nevertheless, the modding community's ability to push the boundaries of what's possible with existing games continues to be a source of innovation and creativity in the gaming world.