Paul Rudd Revives 90s SNES Vibes for Switch 2

Nintendo has enlisted actor Paul Rudd to promote the Nintendo Switch 2 in a delightful new ad that playfully nods to his iconic 90s Super Nintendo commercial – retaining its charmingly cheesy vibe.

The original 1991 spot featured a youthful Rudd sporting a black trench coat, beaded necklace, and unmistakable retro hairstyle as he marched into a drive-in theater clutching an SNES. After hooking it up, he captivated a growing crowd by showcasing classics like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and F-Zero on the big screen, culminating in the memorable tagline: "Now you're playing with power."

Though 34 years have passed, Rudd's transformation for the Switch 2 ad feels remarkably authentic – the same coat, necklace, and hairstyle remain. This time, he bursts into a living room to demo the console with comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, plus an adoring child who calls him "Uncle Paul." Their Mario Kart World session highlights the system's GameChat feature, while playful jabs are made at Rudd's retro attire and the ad's deliberate 90s aesthetic – complete with fog machines and dramatic wind effects. The updated tagline declares: "Now we're playing together," embracing its nostalgic cheesiness while delivering genuine warmth.

IGN exclusively interviewed Rudd about revisiting Nintendo commercials after three decades. He reminisced about likely wearing his personal necklace in the original shoot and sneaking Mario Kart World playtime between takes. Though he jokes about wanting to keep a Switch 2, the actor didn't get to take one home. Watch our full conversation:

Recently announced Nintendo Switch 2 preorders resume April 24, maintaining the $450 price point despite increased accessory costs due to U.S. tariffs. Our comprehensive guide details everything about securing one of these highly anticipated consoles.