Nintendo has enlisted actor Paul Rudd to generate buzz for the Nintendo Switch 2 through a new commercial that affectionately mimics a beloved 90s advertisement he starred in for the Super Nintendo. The original 1991 commercial featured Rudd, sporting a long black jacket, beaded necklace, and a memorable hairstyle, confidently striding into a drive-in movie theater with his SNES. He connected the console and played iconic games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City on a large screen, drawing a crowd of intrigued spectators. The ad concluded with the iconic SNES tagline, "Now you're playing with power."
In the latest Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, despite the passage of 34 years, Paul Rudd appears remarkably unchanged, donning the same jacket, necklace, and hairstyle. This time, he makes a dramatic entrance into a living room and sets up the Nintendo Switch 2. Joined by comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, along with a young fan who refers to him as "Uncle Paul," they dive into a game of Mario Kart World, utilizing the console's innovative GameChat feature. Throughout the commercial, Rudd's friends playfully tease him about his attire and his throwback 90s commercial persona, complete with a fog machine and a fan to replicate the original's dramatic flair. The ad humorously shifts the focus from "playing with power" to "playing together," embracing the cheesiness of the original while adding a modern, communal twist.
IGN had the opportunity to interview Paul Rudd about his experience filming this nostalgic follow-up over three decades later. During the conversation, Rudd revealed that he might have worn his own beaded necklace in the original ad and that he spent time playing Mario Kart World on set between takes. Regrettably, he was not allowed to keep a Nintendo Switch 2 after filming. You can watch the full interview below:
This week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 have reopened and will be available starting April 24, maintaining a price of $450. However, due to tariffs in the United States, accessory prices have increased. For those eager to secure a preorder, our comprehensive guide provides all the necessary details on where and how to get your hands on this highly anticipated console.
