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

Nintendo has enlisted the charismatic actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that delightfully echoes a memorable 90s advertisement he starred in for the Super Nintendo. The original 1991 commercial featured Rudd, sporting a long black jacket, a beaded necklace, and a distinctive hairstyle, dramatically entering a drive-in movie theater with his SNES. He connects it to the big screen and starts playing iconic games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City, drawing a crowd of curious onlookers. The ad concludes with the iconic SNES slogan, "Now you're playing with power."

Fast forward to the present, and in the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, Rudd, looking remarkably unchanged despite the 34-year gap, brings the same jacket, necklace, and hairstyle into a modern living room. This time, he's joined by comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, along with a child who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul." They dive into a game of Mario Kart World, utilizing the system's innovative GameChat feature. The commercial playfully teases Rudd's nostalgic 90s persona, complete with a fog machine and fan to recreate the dramatic atmosphere of the original. It wraps up with Rudd humorously updating the slogan to, "Now we're playing together," embracing the cheesiness and charm of the original ad to create a heartwarming and amusing homage.

IGN had the privilege of interviewing Rudd about reprising his role in a Nintendo commercial more than three decades later. Rudd shared that he likely wore his own beaded necklace in the original commercial and enjoyed playing Mario Kart World during breaks on set. Despite his enthusiasm, he didn't get to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home. You can watch the full interview here:

This week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 opened once again, set for April 24, with the console still priced at $450. However, accessory prices have increased due to tariffs in the United States. For those eager to secure a preorder, our comprehensive guide covers all the essential details on where and how to get your hands on this highly anticipated device.