Paul Rudd Nostalgically Promotes Nintendo Switch 2 with 90s SNES Ad Reference

Nintendo has enlisted the charm of actor Paul Rudd to promote the Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that delightfully echoes a classic 90s ad he starred in for the Super Nintendo. The original commercial from 1991 featured a youthful Rudd, sporting a long black jacket, beaded necklace, and a striking hairdo, as he approached a drive-in movie theater with his SNES. He connected the console to the big screen and played iconic games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City, drawing a crowd of intrigued spectators. The ad memorably concluded with the SNES's iconic slogan, "Now you're playing with power."

In the fresh Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, Rudd, now 34 years older yet remarkably unchanged in appearance, dons the same iconic outfit. 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 child who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul." Utilizing the new GameChat feature, they engage in playful banter about Rudd's nostalgic attire and the exaggerated 90s commercial vibe, complete with a fog machine and a fan to enhance the atmosphere. The ad charmingly wraps up with Rudd's updated slogan, "Now we're playing together," embracing the cheesiness and acknowledging the original's quirkiness to create an endearing tribute.

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 he likely wore his personal 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 keep a Nintendo Switch 2 as a souvenir. You can watch the full interview here:

Just this week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 resumed, available from April 24, maintaining the price at $450, though accessory costs have increased due to U.S. tariffs. For detailed information on securing your preorder, check out our comprehensive guide.