Paul Rudd Nostalgically Promotes Nintendo Switch 2 with 90s SNES Ad Reference

Nintendo has enlisted the charm of actor Paul Rudd to promote the Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that lovingly recreates the quirky style of a 1991 Super Nintendo advertisement he starred in. In the original, a youthful Rudd, sporting a distinctive black jacket, beaded necklace, and unique hairstyle, dramatically enters a drive-in theater with his SNES. He connects it to the projector and plays classics like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City, drawing a fascinated crowd. The iconic SNES slogan "Now you're playing with power" wraps up the ad.

Paul Rudd, from the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial

Fast forward to the present, and Rudd, now older but remarkably similar in appearance, brings back the same jacket, necklace, and hairstyle for the Nintendo Switch 2 commercial. This time, he enters a living room to set up the new console and plays Mario Kart World with comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, along with a child who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul." They use the console's new GameChat feature while playfully ribbing Rudd about his nostalgic 90s style, complete with a fog machine and fan for dramatic effect. The commercial concludes with Rudd's updated slogan, "Now we're playing together," embracing the cheesiness and acknowledging the original ad's charm.

IGN had the opportunity to interview Rudd about reprising his role in a Nintendo hardware commercial three decades later. Rudd shared that he likely wore his own beaded necklace in the original ad and enjoyed playing Mario Kart World between takes on set. However, he humorously noted that he didn't get to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home. You can watch the full interview here:

Just this week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 resumed on April 24, maintaining its $450 price tag, though accessory costs have increased due to U.S. tariffs. For all the details on securing your preorder, check out our comprehensive guide.