Paul Rudd revives 90s SNES ad for Switch 2 promo

Nintendo has enlisted actor Paul Rudd to promote the Nintendo Switch 2 in a nostalgic new commercial that playfully revives his classic 1990s Super Nintendo ad campaign.

The original 1991 commercial featured a young Rudd sporting a distinctive black jacket, beaded necklace, and memorable hairstyle as he dramatically approaches a drive-in theater with an SNES. He proceeds to showcase games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and F-Zero on the big screen, drawing an excited crowd before delivering the iconic tagline: "Now you're playing with power."

In the new Switch 2 ad, though 34 years older, Rudd remarkably maintains his youthful appearance while recreating the original's signature look. This time, he bursts into a living room to demonstrate the console's capabilities alongside comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, plus a child who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul." The group enjoys Mario Kart World using the Switch 2's GameChat feature, with Rudd's over-the-top 90s persona becoming the butt of jokes - complete with intentional fog effects and dramatic wind machines for added nostalgia. The updated tagline cleverly shifts from power to connection: "Now we're playing together."

IGN recently interviewed Rudd about revisiting Nintendo commercials after three decades. The actor revealed he suspects the original necklace was his personal item, and that he spent breaks between takes playing Mario Kart World - though he jokes about not getting to keep the Switch 2 demo unit. Watch our exclusive interview here:

Nintendo has reopened Switch 2 preorders for April 24, maintaining the $450 price point though accessories now cost more due to U.S. tariffs. Our comprehensive preorder guide covers all available purchasing options and the latest details.