Paul Rudd Nostalgically Promotes Nintendo Switch 2, Echoing 90s SNES Ad

Nintendo has once again partnered with actor Paul Rudd to promote the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, this time through a playful and nostalgic commercial that lovingly recreates—and gently pokes fun at—a classic 1991 SNES ad starring a young Rudd.

In the original 1991 commercial for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), a fresh-faced Paul Rudd—sporting a long black jacket, beaded necklace, and an unmistakably bold hairstyle—marches into a drive-in movie theater with his SNES in hand. He sets up the system and begins playing iconic titles like *The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past*, *F-Zero*, and *Sim City* on the big screen, drawing a curious crowd. The ad famously ends with the tagline, “Now you’re playing with power.”

The new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial brings Rudd back—older, yet somehow just as stylish—as he reprises his role with the same quirky charm. This time around, he strides into a modern living room equipped with the Nintendo Switch 2 and invites comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, along with a young co-star who calls him "Uncle Paul," to join him for a round of *Mario Kart World*. The GameChat feature allows for real-time voice communication, adding a social layer to the gameplay experience.

Just like in the original, Rudd leans fully into the exaggerated 90s vibe—with fog machines, wind effects, and dramatic poses—but this time it's all in good fun, with the other actors playfully teasing him about his retro antics. The updated slogan, “Now we’re playing together,” reflects the more connected and inclusive nature of modern gaming while paying tribute to the spirit of the original campaign.

In a recent interview with IGN, Rudd shared some behind-the-scenes insights from the shoot. He revealed that he likely wore his own necklace in the original ad and continued to play *Mario Kart World* during downtime on set. Unfortunately, he wasn’t allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home after filming, but his enthusiasm for the system was clearly genuine.

You can watch the full interview below:

For those eager to get their hands on the Nintendo Switch 2, preorders have resumed and are now scheduled to open on April 24. The console will retail for $450, though accessory prices have increased due to U.S. tariffs. For a complete breakdown on where and how to secure your preorder, check out our full Nintendo Switch 2 preorder guide.