Nintendo has enlisted actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that charmingly echoes a beloved 90s ad he featured in for the Super Nintendo. The original 1991 commercial showcases Rudd sporting a long black jacket, a beaded necklace, and a unique hairstyle as he strides confidently into a drive-in movie theater with his SNES. He connects the console and starts playing iconic games like *The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past*, *F-Zero*, and *Sim City* on the big screen, drawing a crowd of intrigued onlookers. The ad concludes with the memorable SNES tagline: "Now you're playing with power."
Paul Rudd, from the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial
In the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, despite being 34 years older, Rudd maintains a strikingly similar appearance, complete with the iconic coat, necklace, and hairstyle. This time, he enters a living room and sets up the Nintendo Switch 2 to play *Mario Kart World* alongside comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, and a young child who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul." They utilize the console's new GameChat feature, while playfully ribbing Rudd about his nostalgic attire and the dramatic flair of the original ad, including humorous nods to a fog machine and a fan for added effect. The commercial wraps up with Rudd delivering a new slogan: "Now we're playing together," embracing the cheesiness of the concept and paying homage to the original in a heartwarming way.
IGN had the privilege of interviewing Rudd about his experience filming this sequel to a Nintendo hardware commercial more than three decades after the first. During the discussion, Rudd shared that he believes he wore his personal beaded necklace in the original ad and that he continued playing *Mario Kart World* during breaks on set. Sadly, he mentioned that he wasn't allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home with him. You can watch our full interview here:
Just this week, preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 resumed, available starting April 24, maintaining the price at $450, though the cost of accessories has increased due to tariffs in the United States. For all the details on securing one of these highly sought-after preorders, check out our comprehensive guide.
