Paul Rudd Excites Fans with Nostalgic Nod to 90s SNES Ad for Nintendo Switch 2

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 memorable 1991 ad he starred in for the Super Nintendo. The original commercial featured a youthful Rudd, sporting a long black jacket, beaded necklace, and an eye-catching hairstyle, as he confidently approached a drive-in movie theater with his SNES. He connected the console and showcased popular games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City on the large screen, attracting a captivated crowd. The commercial famously ended with the Super Nintendo slogan: "Now you're playing with power."

In the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, Rudd, despite the passage of 34 years, retains a remarkably similar appearance, complete with the iconic coat, necklace, and hairstyle. This time, he strides into 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 young boy who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul." Utilizing the system's new GameChat feature, they enjoy the game together while playfully ribbing Rudd about his nostalgic attire and the over-the-top style of the original ad, complete with a fog machine and a fan to recreate the dramatic atmosphere. The commercial wraps up with Rudd humorously updating the slogan to, "Now we're playing together," embracing the cheesiness and charm of the original while adding a modern twist.

IGN had the opportunity to interview Rudd about his experience filming this sequel to a Nintendo hardware commercial over three decades later. During the conversation, Rudd revealed that he might have worn his own beaded necklace in the original 1991 ad and admitted to playing Mario Kart World on set between takes. However, he jokingly mentioned 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 resumed, set to open on April 24 with the console priced at $450. Although accessory prices have increased due to tariffs in the United States, our comprehensive guide provides all the details on securing one of these highly anticipated preorders.