Paul Rudd and Nintendo Switch 2 Commercial Deliver Perfect Nostalgia Throwback

Nintendo Switch 2 Launches Nostalgia with Paul Rudd in New Commercial Nintendo has captured lightning in a bottle with its latest marketing push for the Nintendo Switch 2, enlisting actor Paul Rudd for a commercial that brilliantly echoes his first-ever video game advertisement—a Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) spot from 1991.

This carefully crafted campaign not only celebrates both the past and present of Nintendo hardware but also leverages Rudd’s enduring popularity and his genuine affection for video games. The new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, which started airing in April 2025, quickly resonated with gamers and pop culture enthusiasts alike.

Rudd, celebrated for his roles in "Ant-Man" and "Anchorman," reconnects with Nintendo more than three decades after their original partnership.

The ad rekindles the fun and playful energy of the 1991 campaign, with visual callbacks and even replicated ‘90s fashion, delighting long-time Nintendo fans. In an exclusive interview with IGN’s Brian Altano, Paul Rudd explained how the partnership came together.

"Nintendo reached out to me," Rudd shared, describing that he was instantly drawn to the concept of recreating the classic commercial.

He expressed that returning to the iconic setting was both amusing and enjoyable, leading to a commercial that feels fresh yet rooted in nostalgia. Reflecting on the experience, when asked whether filming made him long for the ‘90s, Rudd responded that it evoked all the right kinds of nostalgia.

He added that the project had a unique blend of retro sentiment and forward-looking excitement, saying the shoot brought out the best of both eras simultaneously. Rudd also reminisced about his personal gaming history, recalling his childhood days spent at an arcade near his home, which he described as a formative and joyful experience.

He noted Donkey Kong as his favorite arcade game, lauding its originality and impact at the time.

Moments from the IGN conversation further revealed Rudd's fondness for the Mario franchise, his preferred Mario Kart racer, and his appreciation of Nintendo Switch's portability—especially useful during his acting travels.

The discussion also highlighted new features of the Nintendo Switch 2, such as the enhanced camera and GameChat functionality, marking a leap forward for the platform’s connectivity and community potential. The new Nintendo Switch 2 commercial serves as more than just an advertisement—it is a tribute to Nintendo’s ability to weave nostalgia into innovation, celebrating the company’s heritage while showcasing its latest hardware advancements.

As Nintendo continues its successful run with the Nintendo Switch platform, surpassing significant sales milestones and expanding its reach via the eShop and regular Nintendo Direct presentations, this retro-resonant campaign proves the enduring bond between Nintendo and its fans. To watch the Paul Rudd Nintendo Switch 2 commercial or catch his full IGN interview, visit the official IGN website or Nintendo’s YouTube channel.

Whether you’re a gaming veteran or new to Nintendo’s world, this campaign is a heartfelt reminder of how gaming memories can connect generations and point to an exciting future.

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