Nintendo has enlisted the beloved actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 with a new commercial that charmingly echoes a memorable 90s ad he featured in for the Super Nintendo. The original 1991 commercial showcased Rudd, sporting a long black jacket, a beaded necklace, and a distinctive hairdo, confidently striding into a drive-in movie theater with his SNES. He connected the console to play iconic games such as The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City on the big screen, attracting a crowd of intrigued spectators. The ad famously concluded with the slogan, "Now you're playing with power."
Fast forward to the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, where Rudd, remarkably unchanged despite the passage of 34 years, dons the same iconic outfit. This time, he marches into a living room and sets up the Nintendo Switch 2 to play Mario Kart World with comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, alongside a kid who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul." Utilizing the system's innovative GameChat feature, they engage in playful banter about Rudd's nostalgic attire and his over-the-top 90s commercial persona, complete with a fog machine and fan to replicate the original's dramatic flair. The commercial wraps up with Rudd delivering a new twist on the classic slogan: "Now we're playing together." The ad embraces its cheesiness and pays a cute tribute to the original, acknowledging its whimsical charm.
IGN had the privilege of interviewing Rudd about reprising his role in a Nintendo hardware commercial over three decades later. During the conversation, Rudd revealed that he might have worn his personal beaded necklace in the original ad and admitted to playing Mario Kart World on set between takes. Regrettably, he was not allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home. You can view our complete interview here:
Just this week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 resumed, set for April 24 at the steady price of $450, although accessory costs have increased due to tariffs in the United States. For comprehensive details on securing your preorder, check out our guide.
