Paul Rudd Excites Fans with Nostalgic SNES Ad for Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has enlisted the charismatic actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for 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 featured Rudd, sporting a long black jacket, a beaded necklace, and a distinctive hairstyle, walking confidently into a drive-in movie theater. With the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in hand, 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, attracting a curious crowd. The ad famously concluded with the SNES slogan: "Now you're playing with power."

Fast forward to the present, and Rudd, who remarkably hasn't aged much, returns in the Nintendo Switch 2 commercial donning the same coat, necklace, and hairstyle. This time, he enters a living room and sets up the Nintendo Switch 2, joined by comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, as well as a child who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul." They dive into a game of Mario Kart World, utilizing the system's new GameChat feature. The others playfully rib Rudd about his nostalgic outfit and his over-the-top 90s commercial demeanor, complete with a fog machine and a fan to recreate the dramatic atmosphere of the original. The new ad wraps up with Rudd delivering an updated slogan: "Now we're playing together." This sequel ad embraces the cheesiness and humor of the original, resulting in a heartwarming and amusing tribute.

IGN had the opportunity to sit down with Rudd to discuss his experience filming this new commercial over three decades after the first. During the interview, Rudd shared 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. However, he humorously noted that he wasn't allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home. You can watch the full interview here:

Just this week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 reopened, set to resume on April 24. The console retains its $450 price tag, though accessory costs have increased due to tariffs in the United States. For all the details on securing your preorder, check out our comprehensive guide.