Nintendo has enlisted actor Paul Rudd to promote the Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that charmingly revisits a classic 90s ad he starred in for the Super Nintendo. The original commercial from 1991 featured Rudd sporting a distinctive long black jacket, beaded necklace, and a memorable hairstyle as he approached a drive-in movie theater, SNES in tow. He connected the console to the big screen and played hits 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 slogan, "Now you're playing with power."
In the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, a seemingly ageless Rudd, still donning the iconic coat, necklace, and hairstyle, enters a living room to set up the new console. Joined by comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, as well as a child who calls him "Uncle Paul," they dive into a game of Mario Kart World, utilizing the system's innovative GameChat feature. The ad playfully acknowledges its roots by including a fog machine and a fan to recreate the dramatic atmosphere of the 90s original. Rudd humorously updates the slogan to, "Now we're playing together," embracing the nostalgia and camaraderie that the new console promotes.
IGN had the opportunity to interview Rudd about his experience filming this sequel to his iconic Nintendo ad. During the conversation, Rudd revealed he might have worn his personal beaded necklace in the original commercial and admitted to playing Mario Kart World on set during breaks. 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 for April 24, maintaining a price of $450 despite increased accessory costs due to U.S. tariffs. For all the details on securing your preorder, check out our comprehensive guide.
