Nintendo has enlisted the charm of actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that playfully nods to a memorable 90s ad he starred in for the Super Nintendo. The original 1991 commercial featured Rudd, sporting a distinctive long black jacket, beaded necklace, and a unique hairstyle, confidently approaching 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 captivated crowd. The ad famously concluded with the slogan, "Now you're playing with power."
In the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, Rudd, despite the passage of 34 years, remarkably retains his youthful appearance, complete with the iconic coat, necklace, and hairstyle. This time, he strides into 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, and Rudd's companions humorously rib him about his nostalgic attire and the exaggerated 90s commercial vibe, complete with a fog machine and a fan to recreate the original's dramatic atmosphere. The ad wraps up with Rudd delivering a new slogan, "Now we're playing together," embracing the cheesiness and acknowledging the original's playful spirit.
IGN had the opportunity to interview Rudd about his experience filming this sequel to his iconic Nintendo commercial. During the conversation, Rudd revealed that he might have worn his own beaded necklace in the original ad and enjoyed playing Mario Kart World on set between takes. However, he humorously noted that he wasn't allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home. You can watch the full interview here:
This week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 resumed, set to open on April 24, with the console priced at $450. However, due to tariffs in the United States, accessory prices have increased. For all the details on securing your preorder, check out our comprehensive guide.
