Publishers have taken different approaches to release video games across generations to facilitate the transition between systems. The vast majority of them released free updates, and Microsoft even introduced a standardized solution for the Xbox – Smart Delivery. This feature ensures that buyers can purchase Xbox One games with the confidence that they will automatically update to the version for the new system.

But some publishers have chosen to release paid updates. Activision Blizzard is one of them. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War went on sale in two editions: the Xbox One for $ 59.99 and the Xbox Series X and S for $ 69.99. But this division has also created a fair amount of confusion, as nearly identical covers can be confusing to buyers. Take a look at the image below – which product would you choose on the shelf?

Of course, if you are a sophisticated gamer, then you can easily determine what you need. But other people also buy games: relatives and friends who do not understand them, as a gift. When looking at the right edition, you will notice an Xbox Series X sticker in the upper right corner of the box and a label in the lower right corner that also lists the version. So the buyer must distinguish for which console the game is in front of him. But the overall design of the box makes it difficult to quickly grasp this, and many are likely to get the wrong thing.

To be clear, the left-hand edition of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is focused on the Xbox One with the ability to run on Xbox Series X and S with no graphics enhancements. The Right Edition is native to the Xbox Series X and S. It includes graphics and performance improvements, as well as a free version for Xbox One.

The situation is aggravated by the lack of the ability to upgrade the boxed version for Xbox One to the version for Xbox Series X. At the same time, the disc version for PlayStation 4 provides the option to upgrade to PlayStation 5 through the PlayStation Store.

Notably, the product home page in the Microsoft Store digital store also doesn’t indicate which version of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War you’re purchasing. In the screenshot below, there is no indication that the edition is not intended for the Xbox Series X and S. To find out, you need to open the details tab.