Lately, I’ve been thinking about how game box designs have changed, especially with the arrival of the Switch 2. The big red banner on its box feels pretty jarring compared to the smaller logo on the original Switch. It got me pondering if overall, game boxes aren’t as attractive as they used to be. For instance, while PS5 boxes are arguably the best this generation, I still think they’re not as good as the PS4’s. The bright white color can really clash with some box art, unlike the blue we had before. Then there’s the Xbox boxes, which seem to be heading in the same direction as the Switch 2. Is this a trend caused by companies adopting more minimalist designs that require eye-catching colors, or is it something else? Back in the sixth generation, we saw a lot of black borders combined with unique logos, which feels pretty rare now.
4 Answers
The PS5 boxes could’ve looked so cool if they had gone for a black or white option instead of the same blue as the PS4. It doesn’t mesh well with the futuristic vibe they created.
I think modern studios are playing it too safe. They have so much money involved that they avoid bold designs that could confuse buyers. Now it’s mainly about featuring the main character and a gameplay element—like a gun or sword—on the cover. Sure, collector’s editions still have amazing art, but that’s targeted at fans who already know what they want.
Honestly, I feel like box art peaked in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Sure, a lot of it was misleading compared to the actual games, but those artworks were stunning and colorful. It was a time when artists were commissioned to capture the essence of the game, and we got iconic covers like Mega Man’s!
We’ve been in the digital age for a while. Who even sees physical boxes nowadays? I buy everything digitally to avoid waste. I guess that’s also why some companies might not invest as much in box art—the audience has shifted.
