Paul Rudd Nostalgically Promotes Nintendo Switch 2, Echoing 90s SNES Ad

Nintendo has enlisted the charm of actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that playfully nods to a memorable 90s Super Nintendo ad featuring Rudd himself. The original 1991 commercial showcased a youthful Rudd, donning a distinctive long black jacket, a beaded necklace, and a notable hairstyle, as he confidently approached a drive-in movie theater with his SNES. He connected the console to the big screen, captivating the audience with games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City, all while a crowd gathered around him. The commercial famously concluded with the iconic SNES slogan: "Now you're playing with power."

Fast forward to the present, and in the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, a remarkably ageless Rudd, still sporting the same iconic look, enters a living room. He sets up the Nintendo Switch 2 and joins comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, along with a child affectionately calling him "Uncle Paul." They dive into a game of Mario Kart World, utilizing the console's new GameChat feature. Amidst playful banter about Rudd's nostalgic attire and the exaggerated 90s commercial ambiance, complete with a fog machine and a fan, the commercial wraps up with Rudd rephrasing the classic slogan to, "Now we're playing together." The ad embraces its cheesiness while cleverly acknowledging the original's charm, resulting in a heartwarming tribute.

IGN had the opportunity to interview Rudd about his experience filming this sequel to his iconic Nintendo commercial after more than three decades. During the interview, Rudd shared that he believes he wore his personal beaded necklace in the original ad and that he couldn't resist playing Mario Kart World on set during breaks. However, he humorously noted that he wasn't allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home with him. You can watch the full interview below:

Just this week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 resumed, available starting April 24, with the console still priced at $450. However, due to tariffs in the United States, the cost of accessories has increased. For all the details on securing your preorder, check out our comprehensive guide.