Nintendo has enlisted actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 through a charmingly nostalgic commercial that harks back to a memorable 90s advertisement he starred in for the Super Nintendo.
The original commercial, which aired in 1991, showcased Rudd sporting a long black jacket, a beaded necklace, and a distinctive hairstyle as he confidently approached a drive-in movie theater, Super Nintendo in hand. He connected the console to the big screen, captivating the audience by playing classics like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, Sim City, and more. The ad famously concluded with the slogan: "Now you're playing with power."
In the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, despite the passage of 34 years, Paul Rudd 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 the others playfully rib Rudd about his attire and his over-the-top 90s commercial persona, complete with a fog machine and a fan to recreate the dramatic atmosphere of the original. The ad wraps up with Rudd delivering a new slogan: "Now we're playing together," embracing the cheesiness and nostalgia of the original while adding a heartwarming twist.
IGN had the opportunity to interview Paul Rudd about his experience filming this sequel to his iconic Nintendo commercial. Rudd shared that he believes he wore his own beaded necklace in the original ad and enjoyed playing Mario Kart World on set during breaks. However, he humorously noted that he wasn't allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home with him. You can watch the full interview here:
Just this week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 resumed, set to open on April 24 with a price tag of $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.
