Some Retail Workers Are Worried About Switch 2 Packaging

Summary

The Nintendo Switch 2 launch is set for this coming Thursday, June 5.
There is some concern that the Switch 2 box looks too similar to the Switch 1 OLED packaging.
The similarities may cause confusion among shoppers who aren't as plugged-in to the gaming space.

There is some concern among retail workers that the Nintendo Switch 2 box is going to confuse consumers. The Nintendo Switch 2 is mere days away from launch, with Nintendo set to kick off its next-generation home console/handheld hybrid with a bang. Pre-orders for the Switch 2 have already sold out, and additional stock is expected to fly off the shelves come launch day on June 5.

Launching a staggering eight years after the release of the original Switch console, the Switch 2 represents a massive upgrade. The new console is significantly more powerful than the Switch 1, with the ability to run more-demanding games at higher frame rates and resolution. The Switch 2's added horsepower comes at a premium price, as Nintendo is selling the new console for $449.99 for the version without Mario Kart World and $499.99 for the bundle that includes the new open world racer.

Glowing Nintendo Switch 2 displaying flag of Japan 2x1 composite

Nintendo May Be Struggling to Meet Switch 2 Demand in Japan

Nintendo is possibly struggling to meet the Switch 2 demand in its home market, with many would-be Japanese buyers still unable to secure a console.

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By Dominik Bošnjak

There is considerable hype behind the Switch 2, and the new console is sure to be a hot item for this coming holiday season. However, there is worry that parents or consumers that aren't as informed about gaming may end up buying the wrong Switch console by accident. As pointed out by Polygon, some retail workers have chimed in on social media to express their concerns that the Switch 2 packaging is a little too similar to the Switch 1. While Switch 2 box has an image of the console and the new logo on it, it still comes in a red box that doesn't look much different from the one the Switch OLED comes in. The Switch 2 box is a little shorter, but otherwise they do look very similar. Considering this, it's not farfetched at all to assume that there will be some confused shoppers who walk out with an old Switch console instead of the Switch 2.

Switch 2 Box Looks Very Similar to the Switch OLED Box

That confusion could very well extend to Switch 2 games. Whenever a new console generation is upon us, there are some consumers that don't understand why certain games don't play on their old systems. I would be surprised if there aren't people that buy Mario Kart World expecting it to run on their original Switch. As it so happens, Mario Kart World started out as a Switch 1 game, but its ambitions grew too big for the console.

Even though there may be some confusion at the cash register in the months after the Switch 2's launch, things should sort themselves out eventually. Let's just hope that the launch goes smoothly and too many people don't have their Switch 2 pre-orders canceled out from under them.

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