Paul Rudd has recreated his iconic 1991 Super Nintendo commercial for the new Nintendo Switch 2. The actor, now 56, shared his excitement about returning to the world of Nintendo and blending retro memories with modern gaming. “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! Felt like old times, I really loved it!” said Rudd. The new commercial features Rudd dressed as his character from the original ’90s ad. He sports a long black duster, indie rock hair, and a beaded necklace.
While the initial commercial showed Rudd playing classic games like The Legend of Zelda at a drive-in theater, this new spot features him at home, tackling Mario Kart World on the Switch 2. “When you decide to step up to this kind of play, this kind of fun, this kind of experience…” Rudd says, echoing the voiceover from the 1991 ad. The commercial showcases the Switch 2’s new GameChat feature, which allows gamers to communicate with friends around the world while playing together.
Fellow actor Joe Lo Truglio makes a cameo, humorously questioning Rudd’s boy-band-esque attire. Rudd reminisced about his early career, noting how the original Super Nintendo commercial helped launch his acting journey.
Paul Rudd’s nostalgic Nintendo return
“I was a working actor and still had a regular job when they hired me for this,” he shared. “It was one of the first commercials I got; and it was a national commercial, so I knew it was going to be playing all over the place.”
Rudd’s career has since skyrocketed with roles in major films such as “Romeo + Juliet,” “The Object of My Affection,” and “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” Last summer, the 1991 Super Nintendo commercial went viral on social media, surprising fans who discovered Rudd’s early involvement with the gaming giant. As for the new Switch 2 commercial, it wasn’t just about nostalgia for Rudd; it also meant reuniting with friends like Lo Truglio.
The ad was directed by Evan Goldberg, who Rudd has worked with before. The Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, features a larger 7.9-inch full HD screen, upgraded CPU and GPU performance, 4K resolution, and spatial 3D sound. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers attach magnetically and are motion-sensitive.
Other features include a second USB-C port, an adjustable stand for tabletop play, double the storage, faster load times, and backward compatibility with many original Switch games and accessories. Preorders for the Switch 2 start on April 24. The system will retail for $449.99, with a Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle available for $499.99.
Mario Kart World will be launched alongside the system and will be priced at $79.99. Other games that will be available for the Switch 2 include “Donkey Kong Bonanza,” “Kirby Air Riders,” “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment,” “Split Fiction,” and “Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster.” Special editions of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond,” “Cyberpunk 2077,” and “Street Fighter 6” will also be available. Rudd’s return to the world of Nintendo not only brings fond memories for fans but also reflects the enduring appeal of both the actor and the gaming brand.
