Nintendo has enlisted actor Paul Rudd to generate buzz for the Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that charmingly echoes a memorable 90s ad he starred in for the Super Nintendo. The original 1991 commercial featured Rudd sporting a distinctive look—long black jacket, beaded necklace, and a bold hairdo—as he strides into a drive-in movie theater, SNES in hand. He connects the console to the big screen and enthralls a gathering crowd with classics like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City, culminating with the iconic SNES slogan, "Now you're playing with power."
In the new commercial for the Nintendo Switch 2, Rudd, now 34 years older but remarkably unchanged in appearance, reprises his iconic outfit. This time, he enters a living room and sets up the Nintendo Switch 2 to play Mario Kart World with comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, along with a child who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul." They utilize the system's innovative GameChat feature while playfully ribbing Rudd about his nostalgic attire and the exaggerated 90s commercial style, complete with a fog machine and a fan to recreate the original's dramatic atmosphere. The ad concludes with Rudd delivering a new slogan, "Now we're playing together," embracing the cheesiness and nostalgia of the original to create a heartwarming and amusing tribute.
IGN had the opportunity to interview Rudd about his experience filming this sequel to his Nintendo commercial three decades later. Rudd shared that he believes he wore his own beaded necklace in the original ad and that he enjoyed playing Mario Kart World on set during breaks. However, he humorously noted that he was not allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home with him. You can watch the full interview here:
Just this week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 resumed, opening on April 24 with the console priced at $450. However, due to increased tariffs in the United States, accessory prices have risen. For detailed information on securing a preorder, check out our comprehensive guide.
