Nintendo has brought back actor Paul Rudd to promote the Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that charmingly echoes a classic 90s ad he starred in for the Super Nintendo. The original 1991 commercial showcased Rudd sporting a distinctive long black jacket, a beaded necklace, and an unforgettable hairstyle as he confidently approached a drive-in movie theater, Super Nintendo in tow. He connected the console to the big screen and started playing iconic games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City, attracting a captivated audience. The ad famously concluded with the Super Nintendo's memorable slogan: "Now you're playing with power."
Fast forward to the present, and in the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, Rudd, who appears remarkably unchanged despite the passage of 34 years, dons the same iconic coat, necklace, and hairstyle. This time, he strides into a living room and sets up the Nintendo Switch 2. He's joined by comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, along with a child who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul." Together, they dive into a game of Mario Kart World, utilizing the system's innovative GameChat feature. The ad playfully acknowledges the original's cheesiness with elements like a fog machine and a fan, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The commercial ends with Rudd humorously updating the slogan to, "Now we're playing together," embracing the playful and communal spirit of modern gaming.
IGN had the opportunity to sit down with Rudd to discuss his experience filming this sequel to his iconic Nintendo commercial from over three decades ago. During the interview, Rudd revealed that he believes he wore his own beaded necklace in the original ad and that he couldn't resist playing Mario Kart World on set between takes. He humorously noted, however, that he wasn't allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home with him. You can watch the full interview here:
This week, we received news that preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will reopen on April 24, with the console still priced at $450, though accessory prices have increased due to tariffs in the United States. For all the details on securing your preorder, check out our comprehensive guide.
