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

Nintendo has enlisted actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 through a new commercial that charmingly echoes a memorable 90s advertisement he starred in for the Super Nintendo. The original 1991 commercial featured Rudd sporting a distinctive long black jacket, a beaded necklace, and a bold hairstyle as he confidently approached a drive-in movie theater, Super Nintendo in tow. He connected the console to the theater's screen and began showcasing popular games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City, drawing a fascinated crowd. The ad famously concluded with the slogan, "Now you're playing with power."

Paul Rudd, from the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial

In the fresh Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, despite being 34 years older, Rudd retains his youthful appearance, complete with the iconic jacket, necklace, and hairstyle. This time, he enters a living room to set up the Nintendo Switch 2, joined by comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, along with a child who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul." They engage in a game of Mario Kart World, utilizing the system's innovative GameChat feature. Throughout the ad, Rudd's companions playfully tease him about his retro attire and the over-the-top vibe reminiscent of the 90s, including a humorous nod to a fog machine and a fan used to enhance the dramatic effect. The commercial wraps up with Rudd adapting the classic slogan to, "Now we're playing together," embracing the playful and nostalgic tone of the original while highlighting the new console's focus on connectivity and shared experiences.

IGN had the opportunity to interview Rudd about reprising his role in a Nintendo hardware commercial more than three decades later. During the discussion, Rudd revealed that he might have worn his personal beaded necklace in the original ad and shared that he continued playing Mario Kart World on set during breaks. Regrettably, he mentioned that he was not allowed to keep a Nintendo Switch 2 after filming. You can view the complete interview here:

This week, Nintendo announced that preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will resume on April 24, maintaining the price at $450, though the cost of accessories has increased due to tariffs in the United States. For detailed information on securing a preorder, check out our comprehensive guide.