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

Nintendo has enlisted the charm of actor Paul Rudd to promote the Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that delightfully nods to a beloved 90s Super Nintendo ad he starred in. The original 1991 commercial showcased Rudd, sporting a distinctive long black jacket, beaded necklace, and a memorable hairstyle, as he confidently approached a drive-in movie theater with his SNES. He connected it 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 famously ended with the slogan, "Now you're playing with power."

Fast forward to the present, and Rudd, looking remarkably similar despite the passage of 34 years, returns in the Nintendo Switch 2 commercial. This time, he enters a living room, still clad in his iconic jacket and necklace, to set up the new console. Joined by comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, and a young kid who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul," they dive into Mario Kart World, utilizing the system's innovative GameChat feature. The group playfully rib Rudd about his nostalgic attire and the exaggerated 90s commercial style, complete with a fog machine and a fan to recreate the original's dramatic flair. The ad cleverly shifts the focus from playing with power to playing together, embracing the cheesiness and charm of the original ad for a heartwarming effect.

IGN had the opportunity to sit down with Rudd to discuss his experience filming this sequel to a commercial he did over three decades ago. During the interview, Rudd shared that he likely wore his own beaded necklace in the original ad and admitted to playing Mario Kart World on set between takes. Sadly, he wasn't allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home. You can watch the full interview here:

Just this week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 reopened, with sales starting on April 24 at a steady price of $450, although accessory prices have increased due to tariffs in the United States. For all the details on securing your preorder, check out our comprehensive guide.