Nintendo has enlisted actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 through a charming new commercial that playfully nods to a memorable 90s ad he starred in for the Super Nintendo. The original 1991 commercial showcased Rudd in a distinctive long black jacket, a beaded necklace, and a unique hairstyle, as he confidently approached a drive-in movie theater with his SNES. He connected the console and captivated the audience by playing classics like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City on the large screen. The ad concluded with the iconic SNES tagline: "Now you're playing with power."
In the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, Rudd, who appears remarkably unchanged despite the 34-year gap, dons the same jacket, necklace, and hairstyle. This time, he enters 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 system's innovative GameChat feature, they engage in playful banter about Rudd's nostalgic attire and the exaggerated 90s commercial style, complete with a fog machine and a fan to recreate the original's dramatic ambiance. The commercial wraps up with Rudd humorously updating the slogan to, "Now we're playing together," embracing the cheesiness and acknowledging the original's whimsical nature for a heartwarming effect.
IGN had the opportunity to interview Rudd about his experience filming this sequel to his Nintendo hardware commercial after more than three decades. During our conversation, Rudd shared that he believes he wore his own beaded necklace in the original ad and continued playing Mario Kart World between takes on set. Regrettably, he was not allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home. You can watch our full interview here:
This week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 resumed, with availability starting on April 24. The console retains its $450 price point, although accessory costs have risen due to tariffs in the United States. For detailed information on securing a preorder, check out our comprehensive guide.
