Nintendo has enlisted actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that charmingly echoes a beloved 90s advertisement he starred in for the Super Nintendo. The original 1991 commercial featured a young Rudd, sporting a distinctive black jacket, beaded necklace, and unique hairstyle, confidently walking into a drive-in movie theater with his SNES. He connected the console and played iconic games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City on the big screen, attracting a curious 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 updated commercial for the Nintendo Switch 2, Rudd, despite being 34 years older, maintains a remarkably similar appearance with the same iconic 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, as well as a child who affectionately refers to him as "Uncle Paul." They utilize the system's new GameChat feature, and the ad playfully acknowledges the original's quirky elements, including a fog machine and a fan for added drama. The commercial wraps up with Rudd's new slogan, "Now we're playing together," embracing the nostalgia and cheesiness in a heartwarming tribute to the original.
IGN had the opportunity to interview Rudd about his experience reprising his role in a Nintendo hardware commercial more than three decades later. Rudd revealed that he believes he wore his own beaded necklace in the original ad and enjoyed playing Mario Kart World on set between takes. However, he humorously noted that he wasn't allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home. You can watch our full interview here:
This week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 have resumed, set to open on April 24 at a consistent price of $450, although accessory costs have increased due to U.S. tariffs. For all the details on securing one of these sought-after preorders, check out our comprehensive guide.
