Paul Rudd Revives 90s Nostalgia to Excite Fans for Nintendo Switch 2 – IGN Exclusive!

Nintendo has brought actor Paul Rudd back to promote the Nintendo Switch 2 in a new commercial that playfully honors a classic ad he did for the Super Nintendo in the ’90s.

In the original 1991 ad, Rudd walks into a drive-in theater with a Super Nintendo in hand. He hooks it up to the big screen and plays memorable games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and F-Zero, drawing a curious crowd. The commercial ends with the iconic slogan: "Now you’re playing with power."

Fast forward 34 years, and Rudd is back, looking surprisingly similar yet charmingly nostalgic. This time, he enters a cozy living room, still in his signature style, to play the Nintendo Switch 2 with comedians Joe Lo Truglio and Jordan Carlos, plus a kid who affectionately calls him "Uncle Paul." They dive into Mario Kart World using the new GameChat feature, and the playful banter about Rudd’s quirky style adds a fun twist. The commercial wraps up with Rudd declaring, "Now we’re playing together," embracing the charm of both ads.

In an interview with IGN, Rudd shared his thoughts about filming the sequel. He revealed he wore his own beaded necklace in the first ad and was caught between takes playing Mario Kart World. Sadly, he didn’t get to take the Nintendo Switch 2 home.

Anticipation for the Switch 2 is building, with preorders set to resume on April 24 at a price of $450. However, accessory prices have risen due to recent tariffs in the U.S.

As fans eagerly await the new console, it’s worth noting that in recent years, gaming has seen an explosion in popularity. According to a 2022 report by the Entertainment Software Association, over 214 million people in the U.S. play video games. This growth emphasizes how gaming has become a significant cultural touchpoint, uniting players across generations.

Rudd’s return to Nintendo highlights the brand’s ability to blend nostalgia with modern gaming culture, making the Switch 2 not just a console but a shared experience. The interplay of humor and heart in the new commercial resonates with long-time fans and new players alike, keeping the spirit of gaming alive and well.

For more details on how to snag a preorder, check out IGN’s guide.

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