Paul Rudd Nostalgically Promotes Nintendo Switch 2, Echoing 90s SNES Ad

Nintendo has enlisted actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that playfully nods to a beloved 90s ad he starred in for the Super Nintendo. The original commercial, which aired in 1991, featured Rudd sporting a long black jacket, a beaded necklace, and a distinctive hairstyle as he confidently approached a drive-in movie theater with an SNES in hand. He connected the console and began playing classics such as The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City on the big screen, drawing a crowd of intrigued spectators. The ad concluded with the iconic SNES tagline: "Now you're playing with power."

In the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, despite the 34-year gap, Rudd remarkably appears almost unchanged, retaining the same jacket, necklace, and hairstyle. This time, he strides into a living room and sets up a Nintendo Switch 2 to play with comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, along with a child who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul." They dive into Mario Kart World, utilizing the system's innovative GameChat feature. Throughout the ad, Rudd's companions playfully tease him about his nostalgic attire and his over-the-top 90s commercial persona, which includes humorous nods to a fog machine and a fan that recreate the dramatic atmosphere of the original. The commercial wraps up with Rudd updating the classic slogan to, "Now we're playing together." The result is a charmingly cheesy tribute that acknowledges the original's silliness while celebrating the new console's communal gaming experience.

IGN had the opportunity to interview Rudd about reprising his role in a Nintendo hardware commercial more than three decades later. Rudd revealed during the interview that he likely wore his personal 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 with him. You can watch the full interview here:

Just this week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 resumed, set to begin on April 24, with the console maintaining its $450 price point. However, accessory prices have increased due to tariffs in the United States. For those eager to secure a preorder, our comprehensive guide provides all the essential details on where and how to get one of these highly sought-after consoles.