Key Takeaways
1. A remaster of Red Dead Redemption is coming to PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S, and mobile devices, with impressive performance on iPhones and iPads.
2. The M4 iPad Pro can achieve stable 60 FPS in Performance mode, while Fidelity mode is locked at 30 FPS.
3. iPhone 15 Pro, 16 Pro, and 17 Pro target 40 FPS in Performance mode, with Fidelity mode at 30 FPS; older devices generally run at 30 FPS with limited features.
4. Some older devices, like the iPhone XR and iPad Pro with A12Z, have serious rendering issues that make the game unplayable.
5. Missing features include HDR, controller rumble, and keyboard-and-mouse support on iPads, with no Mac version currently available.
Reports have emerged regarding a remaster of Red Dead Redemption for platforms like the PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S, which came out a few weeks ago. This was soon followed by the announcement of the game’s availability on iPhones, iPads, Android devices, and even Netflix. While the enhancements for the PS5 and Xbox Series versions are not very significant, the mobile version is said to be quite impressive.
Performance Testing
Recently, YouTuber MrMacRight, known for his assessments of AAA gaming performance on devices like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the latest M5 iPad Pro, evaluated the new Red Dead Redemption port across different generations of iPhones and iPads. The findings are pretty interesting.
On the M4 iPad Pro, two graphics modes are available for Red Dead Redemption: a Fidelity mode locked at 30 FPS and a Performance mode aiming for 60 FPS. The testing showed that the M4 can maintain a stable 60 FPS in Performance mode, even at the highest resolution scale, due to consistently low GPU frame times. The internal rendering resolution seems to be lower than what is reported as the output, yet the frame pacing stays smooth without any noticeable micro-stutters. Currently, only the M4 and M5 iPad Pro support 60 FPS output, making them the top Apple devices for experiencing the mobile port of Red Dead Redemption.
Graphics and Frame Rates
The Fidelity mode enhances image quality but is limited to 30 FPS. MrMacRight points out that the GPU frame times of the M4 could technically allow for a 40 FPS mode, but this feature isn’t available in the current version.
For the iPhone models, the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro target 40 FPS in Performance mode instead of 60 FPS. This limit seems to be deliberate to lessen thermal load and address GPU frame-time constraints at full resolution. The Fidelity mode operates at a steady 30 FPS on these devices. Interestingly, the iPad mini with the A17 Pro, which has the same chip as the iPhone 15 Pro, is restricted to 30 FPS because it has fewer GPU cores.
Older Devices
Older devices show varied performance. The M1 iPad Pro and the newer M3 iPad Air run at 30 FPS without options for Fidelity or Performance modes. The M1 sometimes achieves GPU frame times below 16 ms, indicating that 40 or even 60 FPS modes might be feasible if they are included in a future update. In contrast, the M3 iPad Air faces more difficulties due to its higher display resolution.
The iPhone 12 Pro consistently runs at 30 FPS, but at a noticeably lower internal resolution (approximately 864p, according to the Metal HUD). The visual quality is still acceptable; however, aliasing and lower foliage density are more evident. In comparison, the original Nintendo Switch version runs at 1080p and 30 FPS, yet shares similar visual elements, with both versions using FXAA for anti-aliasing, as noted by the YouTuber.
Issues and Missing Features
Some devices currently face significant graphical challenges. Models like the iPhone XR and iPad Pro with A12Z reportedly experience serious rendering bugs, rendering the game unplayable.
Features that are missing include HDR, controller rumble, and optional keyboard-and-mouse support on iPads. The YouTuber also pointed out the lack of a Mac version. At the moment, you can play Red Dead Redemption on MacBooks in two ways: through a third-party translation tool called CrossOver, or via cloud streaming. They also mentioned the possibility of Apple TV support, as the latest A15 models fulfill the technical requirements.
In conclusion, the Red Dead Redemption mobile port shows promising performance, especially on the latest iPhone and iPad devices. MrMacRight also compares gameplay and graphics quality between the PS5 and iPad versions of the game, so don’t forget to watch the complete video linked below.
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