The Nintendo Switch 2 has been at the center of perpetual online discussions since the console was shown off in earnest in April, with much of the chatter focused on its price. But with just days to go before the June 5 launch, we now find ourselves confronting the newest Switch 2 topic: ugly box art. Yes, if you let some Nintendo fans describe it, the Switch 2’s box art is a sight for sore eyes — but not for the reasons one might think.
On Wednesday, Pokémon Company International finally revealed that Pokémon Legends: Z-A would be released on Oct. 16, 2025, for the Switch and Switch 2. Along with the announcement, the company showed off the box art for the forthcoming title, with many Pokémon and Nintendo fans agreeing that the cover illustration was fire.
But the discussion quickly soured over how ugly people found the Switch 2 cover compared to the Switch equivalent, all because of a huge disclaimer taking up the bottom of the cover. “Includes the Nintendo Switch game and the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack,” the disclaimer reads for some Switch 2 games, complete with a medium-sized QR code. “Upgrade pack also available separately.”
Most of the complaints focused on how crowded Switch 2 covers took away from the box art’s beauty. Other comments lamented Switch 2’s striking red covers, arguing that the color detracted from the game’s illustrations.
“Can I just buy the regular Switch 1 version and buy an upgrade pack for it?” typed ASKtheTRUTH. “I think like the Switch 2’s box art being cluttered.”
“The OG Switch box art looks better,” says X user Jean-Luc. “I can get used to the red bar on top but the fine print text on the bottom…They should just make that an extra sleeve or sticker they put on the shrink wrap.”
“Switch 2 cases are god awful,” wrote Dewrules235. “How did they think all that wasted red space was a good idea?? They should have kept it full art, swapped the logo, and made the plastic red.”
It makes sense that Nintendo would prioritize this messaging — even if it meant sacrificing prime real estate for gorgeous art. The Switch 2 will have three different game cards for its games: Switch 2-only games, the infamous game key cards, and cards that work on both Switch and Switch 2 consoles. Popular X account Nintendeal rounded up the game cards in a post, detailing the differences and the codes associated with each card.
Considering the confusion around the Switch 2’s game compatibility, key cards, and Switch 2 Editions floating around the internet, the fine print may become a Godsend in hindsight. And with so many people already confused by the Switch and Switch 2 console packaging, this game disclaimer may be helpful for that grandmother who wants to make sure her granddaughter gets the correct game for the correct system.
But yeah… that banner is not so hot.