Nintendo might not be phasing out the original Switch just yet, but it is making changes that could trip up shoppers. A new wave of Switch 2 cases has started appearing on shelves, and the updated packaging is now showing up on standard Switch titles as well, raising eyebrows among fans of physical media.
Red Switch 2 cases start to appear on older games
Originally criticized for hiding interior box art, the new semi-transparent red cases are making their way beyond Switch 2 exclusives. Buyers in Europe and Japan have spotted the revised look on current-gen titles like Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy.
While not identical to the new-gen layout, the red packaging is close enough to cause confusion. On some updated cases, the Nintendo Switch logo remains in the top-left corner, unlike the Switch 2’s center-aligned branding. The cover art also fills more of the front, but the overall structure is still identical in size.
Even Nintendo titles adopt the new design
It’s not just third-party publishers embracing the change. A fan in Japan spotted a Super Mario Galaxy + Galaxy 2 bundle sporting the same red case. That suggests Nintendo may be quietly transitioning all physical releases to a unified look.
Titles already spotted with updated Switch 2 cases:
- Red Dead Redemption
- Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy
- Super Mario Galaxy + Galaxy 2 bundle
Identical sizes could lead to shelf confusion
One of the main concerns? Both case types are physically the same. That has led to reports of store staff shelving Switch games in Switch 2 sections, and vice versa.
Meanwhile, Switch 2 titles are already complicated by multiple release formats ranging from traditional cartridges to Game-Key Cards and even digital codes in boxes. The design similarities between generations only make the situation murkier for buyers who aren’t following the changes closely.
Physical media fans face a new frustration
Collectors and physical media fans have voiced disappointment about the direction. The red cases obscure interior artwork and blur the lines between game generations. For now, it’s unclear whether Nintendo plans a full packaging overhaul or simply wants consistency across platforms.
Either way, shoppers will need to pay closer attention because the box art might not tell the full story anymore.
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