ahead of launch there was a whole controversy where people throught (due to the bad messaging on the case, and even conflicting answers by Nintendo's support workers) that all Switch 2 Edition games simply are the original game and need a download for the switch 2 features.
the entire Switch 2 edition program has been confusing from day 1 for different reasons.
and IMO selling a Switch 1 game in a Switch 2 box that never mentions that it's a Switch 1 game is pretty damn confusing.
and I think you are once again MASSIVELY overestimating the average consumer's intelligence.
I've seen multiple people online (including a twitch streamer) buying an OLED Switch, thinking that's the new one...
It was initially confusing, but if people are still confused then that's really on them. There is ample information now about how "Switch 2 Edition" works.
The packaging has a large disclaimer in multiple languages:
For the lazy, there is a QR code next to that,
taking you to a website explaining it which
clearly says in the first paragraph:
The way Switch 2 Edition upgrades work has now been consistent across releases ie. it's just a Switch game with a Switch 2 upgrade bolted on - to the point where if you have
any prior knowledge at all about how the Switch 2 Edition scheme works, seeing it mentioned on the box should tell you everything you need to know.
It's also been commented about how ugly Switch 2 cases look compared to the Switch - and I agree with that opinion - but the fact that they're so visually...
distinctive also further reduces confusion. Big 2, red case, "Switch 2 Edition". It is as granny-proof as Nintendo can make it, short of completely changing the whole look of the branding.
The
main concern for normal people when it comes to cross-platform compatibility though is "is this version of the game gonna play on my device?". The cartridges being platform agnostic Switch carts solves that completely. Again, granny-proof. Doesn't even matter if she doesn't buy you the 'right' version at Christmas.
If people are still confused then perhaps schools ought to start administering Switch 2 Edition tests instead of IQ tests.