Paul Rudd Revives 90s Nostalgia in New Nintendo Switch 2 Ad

NEW YORK, NY — Actor Paul Rudd is back in front of the camera, reprising his role in a nostalgic homage to the 1990s as he promotes the new Nintendo Switch 2. The commercial references Rudd’s original 1991 ad for the Super Nintendo, where he showcased gaming in a stylish yet quirky manner.

In the original spot, Rudd is seen wearing a distinct black jacket, a beaded necklace, and sporting a unique hairstyle as he approaches a drive-in movie theater. Armed with the Super Nintendo, he captivates an audience while playing classic titles like “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” and “F-Zero.” The commercial concluded famously with the tagline, “Now you’re playing with power.”

Now, 34 years later, Rudd steps back into the role for a new Nintendo Switch 2 advertisement. Surprisingly, he has kept his charming 90s aesthetic, wearing the same jacket and necklace. This time, he stomps into a modern living room where he hooks up the Nintendo Switch 2, joined by comedians Joe Lo Truglio, Jordan Carlos, and a young boy who affectionately calls him “Uncle Paul.” The group engages in a lively session of “Mario Kart World,” utilizing the system’s new GameChat feature.

In the ad, Rudd’s vintage vibe is acknowledged through playful banter, with comedic nods to the original commercial’s over-the-top effects, including fog machines and fans, creating a light-hearted atmosphere. The commercial culminates with Rudd’s updated slogan: “Now we’re playing together.” This amusing twist reinforces the joy of gaming together across generations.

In a recent interview with IGN, Rudd shared his thoughts on the experience of revisiting a Nintendo hardware commercial after more than three decades. He reminisced about the nostalgia of the original shoot, revealing that he believes he wore his personal beaded necklace during the first ad. Rudd also noted that he had great fun playing “Mario Kart World” behind the scenes, although he jokingly lamented that he couldn’t bring a Nintendo Switch 2 home with him.

The excitement around the Nintendo Switch 2 has been building, with the console set for release on April 24, 2025, at a price point of $450 in the United States. Fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to pre-order the new system, as details emerge about its features and capabilities.

Rebekah Valentine, a senior reporter for IGN, contributed to this story. For updates, you can follow her on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. For story tips, reach her at [email protected].