Nintendo has enlisted actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 with a new commercial that lovingly and humorously nods to a memorable 90s advertisement he featured in for the Super Nintendo. The original 1991 commercial showcased Rudd, sporting a long black jacket, a beaded necklace, and a distinctive hairstyle, confidently striding into a drive-in movie theater with his SNES. He connected the console to the big screen and played classics like *The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past*, *F-Zero*, and *Sim City*, drawing a curious crowd. The ad ended with the iconic SNES slogan: "Now you're playing with power."
Paul Rudd, from the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial
In the latest Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, Rudd, despite the 34-year gap, appears remarkably unchanged, donning 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." They utilize the system's innovative GameChat feature, while Rudd's companions playfully tease him about his nostalgic attire and his over-the-top demeanor reminiscent of the 90s ad. The commercial even humorously highlights the use of a fog machine and a fan to recreate the dramatic atmosphere of the original. It wraps up with Rudd delivering a new twist on the classic slogan, stating, "Now we're playing together." The ad embraces its cheesiness, celebrating the silliness of the original while delivering a charming effect.
IGN had the opportunity to interview Rudd about reprising his role in a Nintendo hardware commercial after more than three decades. Rudd shared amusing anecdotes, including his suspicion that he wore his own beaded necklace in the original ad, and how he continued playing *Mario Kart World* during breaks on set. Regrettably, he was not allowed to keep a Nintendo Switch 2 for himself. You can watch the full interview here:
This week, Nintendo announced that preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will reopen on April 24, maintaining its $450 price point, although accessory costs have increased due to tariffs in the United States. For all the details on securing your preorder, check out our comprehensive guide.
