Nintendo has enlisted actor Paul Rudd to generate excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that charmingly echoes a beloved 90s ad he did for the Super Nintendo. The original 1991 commercial features Rudd sporting a long black jacket, beaded necklace, and a distinctive hairstyle as he confidently strides into a drive-in movie theater, Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in hand. He connects the console to the big screen and starts playing iconic games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, and Sim City, drawing a curious crowd. The ad ends with the iconic SNES slogan, "Now you're playing with power."

In the new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, Rudd, despite being 34 years older, remarkably retains a similar appearance, complete with the same coat, necklace, and hairstyle. This time, he enters a living room and sets up the Nintendo Switch 2 to play Mario Kart World with comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, along with a child who calls him "Uncle Paul." Utilizing the system's innovative GameChat feature, they enjoy the game together. The commercial playfully acknowledges the original's theatrics, with a fog machine and a fan adding to the dramatic flair, while the others rib Rudd about his nostalgic 90s style. It wraps up with Rudd updating the classic slogan to, "Now we're playing together," embracing the cheesiness and nostalgia in a heartwarming nod to the past.

IGN had the opportunity to interview Rudd about reprising his role in a Nintendo hardware commercial more than three decades later. During the conversation, Rudd shared that he might have worn his own beaded necklace in the original ad and enjoyed playing Mario Kart World on set during breaks. However, he humorously noted that he wasn't allowed to take a Nintendo Switch 2 home. You can watch the full interview here:

Just this week, pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 have reopened, available starting April 24, with the console still priced at $450, though accessory costs have increased due to U.S. tariffs. For detailed information on securing your pre-order, check out our comprehensive guide.