Nintendo has brought back Paul Rudd for a brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, and it’s full of memories from the 90s. The ad pays tribute to a funny and memorable commercial Rudd did back in 1991 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).
The 1991 Classic: Rudd’s First Nintendo Adventure
In the original commercial, a young Paul Rudd walks into a drive-in movie theater wearing a long black jacket, a beaded necklace, and some very 90s hair. He plugs in his SNES and starts playing iconic games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and SimCity on the big screen. A crowd gathers to watch, and the ad ends with the classic line: “Now you’re playing with power.”
The Switch 2 Commercial: Same Paul, New Console
Fast forward to today, and Paul Rudd is back—but barely looks older! In the new ad, he enters a cozy living room, still dressed in the same jacket, necklace, and style from the 90s. This time, he sets up the Nintendo Switch 2 to play Mario Kart World with comedians Joe Lo Truglio, Jordan Carlos, and a kid who calls him “Uncle Paul.”
90s Style, Modern Features
The group jokes about Paul’s dramatic entrance and 90s vibe. There’s even a fog machine and a fan to recreate the original ad’s mood. But this time, it ends with a new slogan: “Now we’re playing together,” showing the Switch 2’s focus on social play with features like the new GameChat.
Paul Rudd Talks About the Ad With IGN
In an interview with IGN, Paul Rudd shared his thoughts on doing the ad more than 30 years later. He thinks he wore his own necklace in the original commercial and revealed that he played Mario Kart World between takes during filming. Sadly, he didn’t get to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home after shooting.
Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Open Again
Nintendo recently confirmed that Switch 2 preorders will reopen on April 24. The price remains $450, but accessories have become more expensive because of new tariffs in the United States. If you’re looking to preorder, be sure to check out our full guide to find the best places to buy.
