Nintendo has enlisted the charming actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 in a delightful new commercial that playfully nods to his iconic Super Nintendo ad from the 90s. The original 1991 commercial features a youthful Rudd, sporting a long black jacket, a beaded necklace, and a distinctive hairstyle, as he confidently strides into a drive-in movie theater, Super Nintendo in tow. He sets up the console and immerses the crowd in classic games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City, culminating in the memorable slogan, "Now you're playing with power."
Fast forward to the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, where a remarkably unchanged Rudd, complete with the same jacket, necklace, and hairstyle, makes his entrance into a cozy living room. He sets up the Nintendo Switch 2 and joins comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, along with a young kid who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul," to play Mario Kart World. Utilizing the system's innovative GameChat feature, they engage in playful banter, poking fun at Rudd's nostalgic 90s style, complete with a humorous nod to the fog machine and fan that added drama to the original commercial. The ad wraps up with Rudd delivering the updated slogan, "Now we're playing together," embracing the cheesiness and charm of the original while emphasizing the new console's focus on social interaction.
IGN had the opportunity to sit down with Rudd to discuss his experience filming this follow-up commercial more than three decades after the first. During the interview, Rudd revealed that he might have worn his own beaded necklace in the original ad and that he enjoyed playing Mario Kart World on set between takes. Unfortunately, he didn't get to keep a Nintendo Switch 2 as a souvenir. You can watch our full interview here:
Just this week, Nintendo announced that preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will resume on April 24, maintaining the price at $450, though accessory prices have increased due to tariffs in the United States. For detailed information on securing one of these coveted preorders, check out our comprehensive guide.
