Nintendo has enlisted the charm of actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that playfully nods to a beloved 90s ad he starred in for the Super Nintendo. The original 1991 commercial featured Rudd sporting a distinctive long black jacket, a beaded necklace, and a memorable hairstyle as he confidently approached a drive-in movie theater with his SNES. He connected it to a large screen and captivated onlookers by playing classics like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City. The ad famously concluded with the SNES slogan: "Now you're playing with power."
Paul Rudd, from the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial
In the new commercial for the Nintendo Switch 2, Rudd, despite the passage of 34 years, retains an eerily similar look with the same coat, necklace, and hairstyle. This time, he enters a living room and sets up the Nintendo Switch 2 to play Mario Kart World alongside comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, and a young boy who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul." The group uses the system's innovative GameChat feature, with the others 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 intense atmosphere. The ad wraps up with Rudd delivering a new twist on the classic slogan, saying, "Now we're playing together." The commercial embraces its cheesiness, paying homage to the original while adding a heartwarming touch.
IGN had the opportunity to interview Rudd about reprising his role in a Nintendo hardware commercial more than three decades later. During the conversation, Rudd revealed he might have worn his own beaded necklace in the original ad and admitted to playing Mario Kart World between takes on set. However, he humorously noted that he wasn't allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home. You can watch the full interview here:
Just this week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 have reopened, set for April 24, maintaining the price at $450. However, due to tariffs in the United States, accessory prices have increased. For all the details on securing your preorder, check out our comprehensive guide.
