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 promote the Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that lovingly nods to his iconic 1991 Super Nintendo ad. In the original commercial, a youthful Rudd, sporting a distinctive long black jacket, beaded necklace, and unique hairstyle, struts into a drive-in movie theater with his SNES. He connects it to the big screen and engages the crowd with classics like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City. The ad famously concludes with the slogan, "Now you're playing with power."

Paul Rudd, from the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial

Fast forward to today, and Rudd, now 34 years older yet remarkably unchanged in appearance, reprises his role in the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial. Dressed in the same iconic outfit, he enters a living room and sets up the console. This time, he's joined by comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, along with a child who affectionately refers to him as "Uncle Paul." They dive into a game of Mario Kart World, utilizing the system's innovative GameChat feature. Throughout the commercial, Rudd's companions playfully rib him about his 90s persona, complete with a fog machine and fan, adding a humorous touch that celebrates the original ad's cheesiness. The commercial wraps up with Rudd's updated slogan, "Now we're playing together," emphasizing the new system's focus on connectivity and community.

IGN had the opportunity to sit down with Rudd to discuss his experience filming the follow-up commercial. He shared amusing details, like suspecting he wore his own beaded necklace in the original ad and how he enjoyed playing Mario Kart World during breaks 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:

Exciting news for fans: Nintendo Switch 2 preorders are set to resume on April 24, maintaining the $450 price point, though accessory prices have increased due to tariffs in the United States. For all the details on securing your preorder, check out our comprehensive guide.