One of the biggest video game controversies of 2021 surrounded the somewhat spontaneous release ofGrand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Editionfor current and last-gen consoles. The collection of PS2Grand Theft Autotitles was met with major backlash at launch from both fans and critics for underwhelming performance on all consoles, changes to the visuals, and poorly implemented new mechanics. Now, after a brief delay to the physical Nintendo Switch version of the game, Nintendo has announced that the trilogy will hit store shelves next month.
Grand Theft Auto Trilogywas announced in October 2021 after months of rumors to celebrate the 20th anniversary ofGrand Theft Auto 3. The game is a collection ofGrand Theft Auto 3,Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, andGrand Theft Auto: San Andreas, three of the most influential and groundbreaking games released during the PlayStation 2 console generation. Upon release the collection was slammed for major technical issues, appearing on many “Disappointing games of 2021” lists.
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Despite its critical and fan backlash, Take-Two recently regarded to investors that the game was a major success for the company,and that its issues had all been ironed out(which many would disagree with). In a rush to meet the holiday release, physical editions ofGrand Theft Auto: The Trilogywere briefly delayed by a week for PS4 and Xbox One consoles, however the Nintendo Switch version, which has received the most criticism, was delayed to a vague “early 2022” release window. Now, after some retailer listings appeared online a few weeks ago, Nintendo has confirmed a release date of February 11th for the collection on Switch.
One thing fans may be upset to learn is that, according to some fans who appeared to have received the Switch physical release early, the cartridge does not contain any full versions of the games. Recently it was revealed that the game would require a download, even with the physical release, much as Rockstar’sL.A. Noiredid when bought physically. Unfortunately, it appears thatGrand Theft Auto: The Trilogywill require all three games to be fully downloaded even when using the game’s cartridge, making it somewhat confusing that Rockstar even bothered with a boxed physical release.
This is unconfirmed for now, however it matches up withprevious Nintendo Switch physical releaseslikeBioShock: The Collection, which also featured only the opening sections of its three games on the game’s cartridge, requiring a download for the full versions of the titles. It may be fair for those short on micro SD card space to wait for the full release to see if it’s worth the price.
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Editionis available now for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The physical Nintendo Switch version will release on February 11th 2022.
