Paul Rudd Nintendo Commercial: A Nostalgic Throwback for Switch 2 Fans 2025

If you’re a Nintendo fan, you’ve likely seen the buzz around the latest Paul Rudd Nintendo commercial for the Switch 2, which dropped on April 19, 2025.

This ad is a delightful callback to Rudd’s 1991 Super Nintendo (SNES) commercial, blending ‘90s nostalgia with modern gaming vibes. As someone who grew up watching those classic SNES ads, I couldn’t help but smile at this heartwarming homage.

In this blog post, we’ll break down everything about the Paul Rudd Nintendo commercial, from its nostalgic roots to its modern twist, and explore why it’s resonating with gamers in 2025. Let’s dive in and relive the magic of playing with power—super power, that is!

The Nostalgic Roots: Paul Rudd’s 1991 SNES Commercial

Let’s rewind to 1991. Before Paul Rudd became a Hollywood star known for Ant-Man and Clueless, he was a young actor taking on one of his first gigs—a Super Nintendo commercial. In the original ad, a 22-year-old Rudd, rocking a long black duster, beaded necklace, and an indie rock hairstyle, strides into a foggy drive-in theater.

He sets up an SNES console and plays classics like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, SimCity, and Pilotwings on a giant screen, captivating a crowd of onlookers. The ad ends with the iconic slogan, “Now you’re playing with power… Super power!” This commercial, which aired during the SNES’s North American launch on August 23, 1991, became a cultural touchstone for ‘90s gamers.

Rudd’s dramatic flair, paired with the ad’s moody atmosphere—complete with fog machines and intense narration by Tony Jay—made it unforgettable. Fans on X have long marveled at how little Rudd has aged since then, often joking that he must be a “CGI character” or hiding an aging portrait in his attic. [Source: IGN, People]

The 2025 Switch 2 Commercial: A Playful Homage

Fast forward 34 years, and Nintendo has brought Rudd back for a new commercial to promote the Switch 2, set to launch on June 5, 2025. Titled “Now You’re Playing Together,” the ad recreates the 1991 SNES spot with a modern twist. Rudd, now 56, dons the same black duster, beaded necklace, and hairstyle, stepping into a living room to set up the Switch 2.

He mimics the original ad’s dramatic voiceover—“When you decide to step up to this kind of play, this kind of fun, this kind of experience…”—before being interrupted by his friends on the new GameChat feature.

Joined by comedians Joe Lo Truglio (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and Jordan Carlos, along with a kid who calls him “Uncle Paul,” Rudd plays Mario Kart World, a launch title for the Switch 2. The group teases Rudd’s ‘90s get-up, with Lo Truglio asking, “Why are you dressed like you’re in a boy band?” Rudd quips back, referencing the SNES ad, “Now we’re playing with power!

” The ad wraps with a heartfelt update to the slogan: “You know guys, it’s nice playing with power, but this is better because now we’re playing together… Super together!” While some fans on X found the ad’s tone a bit too quippy, others loved the nostalgic nod, with one user calling it “a fantastic ad” that honors Nintendo’s history. [Source: Nintendo Life, IGN, People]

Why Nintendo Chose Paul Rudd Again

Nintendo’s decision to bring back Paul Rudd is a stroke of marketing genius. Rudd’s 1991 SNES ad has gone viral multiple times over the years, with fans rediscovering it as recently as August 2024.

His ageless charm and genuine likability—he was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2021—make him a perfect fit to bridge the gap between ‘90s nostalgia and the Switch 2’s modern appeal. In an exclusive interview with People, Rudd shared his excitement: “I gotta say, I got a real kick out of this whole thing coming together.

It was pretty fun to make and get back in that get-up again!” He also told IGN that Nintendo approached him with the idea, and he found it “really funny” to revisit the original ad. Rudd’s personal connection to the project adds authenticity—he even suspects the beaded necklace in the 1991 ad was his own and admitted to playing Mario Kart World between takes on set (though, sadly, Nintendo didn’t let him take a Switch 2 home).

This full-circle moment resonates with longtime fans while introducing younger gamers to Nintendo’s storied history.

What’s New: The Switch 2 and GameChat Feature

The Paul Rudd Nintendo commercial isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a showcase for the Switch 2’s new features. Set to launch on June 5, 2025, the Switch 2 is priced at $450, with pre-orders opening in the U.S. and Canada on April 24.

The console doubles down on portability without sacrificing power, aiming to build on the success of the original Switch, which sold millions of units thanks to its appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers.

The ad highlights the GameChat feature, which allows players to video chat with friends worldwide while gaming. Using the Switch 2’s built-in microphone (or a camera sold separately), players can connect seamlessly—pressing the C Button on the right Joy-Con 2 controller starts an online chat.

In the commercial, Rudd and his friends use GameChat to play Mario Kart World, a new title featuring updated courses, items, and assistive features like Smart Steering. However, some fans on X have pointed out that the ad may oversell GameChat’s performance, noting that the frame rate appears choppy compared to the game’s smooth 60 fps. Despite this, the feature underscores Nintendo’s focus on social gaming, aligning with the ad’s “Super together” message. [Source: IGN, Engadget, Nintendo Insider]

Behind the Scenes: Rudd’s Reflections

Rudd’s reflections on the project add a personal touch to the campaign. In his People interview, he recalled how the 1991 SNES ad was a pivotal moment in his early career. At the time, he was a struggling actor, working odd jobs like waiting tables and DJing at weddings to support his dreams.

The commercial aired during the NCAA basketball tournament, featuring Rudd’s alma mater, the University of Kansas, which his college friends thought was “the coolest thing ever.” In the 2025 shoot, Rudd enjoyed the playful atmosphere, though he noted to IGN that he was gentler with the Switch 2 than he’d been with SNES cartridges back in the day—a detail that made his mom give him a stern look when she first saw the original ad.

Fans on X have echoed Rudd’s sentiment, with one user noting, “Loved that they did this,” though some wished Nintendo had leaned more into the ‘90s vibe without the modern quips. Regardless, Rudd’s enthusiasm shines through, making the ad a hit with many. [Source: People, Nintendo Life]

Why This Commercial Resonates in 2025

The Paul Rudd Nintendo commercial strikes a chord for several reasons. First, it taps into nostalgia—a powerful force in gaming culture.

The SNES ad is considered one of Nintendo’s most iconic trailers, and revisiting it appeals to fans who grew up in the ‘90s, as well as younger gamers curious about gaming history. Second, Rudd’s involvement adds a layer of authenticity and charm. His ageless appearance and genuine love for the project make the ad feel like a celebration of Nintendo’s legacy.

Finally, the commercial aligns with Nintendo’s marketing strategy for the Switch 2, emphasizing social connectivity through features like GameChat. While some critics on X felt the ad’s tone was “all over the place” or overly ironic, others praised its creativity, with one user calling it “a delightful throwback.”

In a year when the gaming industry is navigating rising costs and new console launches, this ad reminds us of the joy of gaming—past, present, and future. [Source: Nintendo Life, Engadget]

Specification Table: Paul Rudd Nintendo Commercial Details

Feature	Details	Why It Matters
Original Ad Date	August 23, 1991	Marks SNES launch in North America
Original Ad Games	The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, SimCity, Pilotwings	Showcased SNES’s 16-bit graphics
Original Slogan	“Now you’re playing with power… Super power!”	Iconic ‘90s Nintendo branding
New Ad Date	April 19, 2025	Promotes Switch 2 ahead of launch
New Ad Game	Mario Kart World	Highlights Switch 2 launch title
New Feature	GameChat (video chat while gaming)	Emphasizes social gaming
New Slogan	“Now you’re playing together… Super together!”	Reflects Switch 2’s connectivity
Switch 2 Launch	June 5, 2025	Key date for Nintendo fans
Switch 2 Price	$450	Reflects premium console cost
Pre-Orders	April 24, 2025 (U.S. and Canada)	Opportunity to secure a console

Final Thoughts: A Super Together Moment

The Paul Rudd Nintendo commercial for the Switch 2 is more than just an ad—it’s a celebration of gaming history and community. By bringing back Rudd to recreate his 1991 SNES spot, Nintendo has crafted a campaign that resonates with fans across generations.

As someone who remembers renting SNES games from Blockbuster, I love how this ad bridges my childhood with today’s gaming world. Whether you’re excited for Mario Kart World or just here for the nostalgia, this commercial captures the spirit of what makes Nintendo special.

What did you think of the ad? Are you grabbing a Switch 2 on launch day? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take! Let’s keep playing together, super together.