The line between nostalgia and novelty blurs again in Nintendo's latest campaign., which has decided to bring back not only one of Hollywood's most recognizable faces, but also one of the most memorable ads in console history. Paul Rudd, actor currently known for his role as Ant-Man In the Marvel Universe, he has been the star of the first major advertising spot for the Nintendo Switch 2, thus repeating a historic move that has surprised both veterans and new fans.
Nintendo's strategy has been brilliant: reviving the commercial that Paul Rudd recorded for the Super Nintendo (SNES) in 1991 and give it a twist, combining humor, self-referential nods, and a strong focus on shared gaming. The campaign, which has already gone viral, not only serves to announce the console's upcoming launch but also celebrates the passage of time and the brand's evolution, uniting generations through a figure who has aged with the public.
A 30-year leap: from drive-in to living room
the year ran 1991 when a young Paul Rudd first appeared in a Super Nintendo commercial in the United States. There, he wore a long jacket, hairstyle and necklace characteristic of the time, and radiated the energy of youth while presenting the most cutting-edge technology of that time. Now, in 2025, the same Rudd—somewhat more mature but with the same charisma—repeats the outfit and the spirit., bringing that 2s setting to the present day, but this time to present the Nintendo Switch XNUMX.
Our protagonist enters a house surrounded by friends and family, ready to show off the console and its new features. As a nod to the '90s, the ad uses special lighting and visual details typical of that decade, such as vaporizers and old-fashioned fans, creating an atmosphere that's as recognizable as it is endearing. Even Rudd himself jokes about his look and the staging, embracing the casual, self-referential tone that characterizes these spots.
Now You're Playing Together: The Evolution of the Motto
The slogan "Now You're Playing Together" replaces the mythical "Now You're Playing with Power" that accompanied previous generations of Nintendo consoles. This time, the company is betting on highlighting the social and multiplayer possibilities of Switch 2. In the video, Rudd connects the console and goes racing in Mario Kart World alongside acquaintances from the world of international comedy, as they explore the new feature of GameChat integrated.
The commercial emphasizes how technology has changed the way of playing and communicating. GameChat allows you to interact by voice and video, encouraging cooperation and friendly rivalry between players, regardless of location. This leap toward social integration is one of the key differences between Switch 2 and its predecessors.
A knowing tribute to the past with a sense of humor
The Nintendo spot is not just a product announcement, but a bridge between two eras.: the 90s, with the jump to 16-bit technology, and the current era, marked by globalization and connectivity. The appearance of Paul Rudd, who maintains the attire and attitude of the original but adapted to current standards, serves as a nod to those who experienced that release and a friendly introduction for new audiences.
In the same announcement, You can see how Rudd is the butt of jokes by his playmates, who laugh at his "90s" way of acting and the almost theatrical display of the commercial. There are sequences that refer to classic SNES games (such as F-Zero or The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past), and includes references to contemporary titles such as F-Zero 99 o The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom from the on-screen menu, reinforcing brand continuity.
Mario Kart World and GameChat: Big assets at launch
The main character in the advertisement is Mario Kart World, the star launch title for Switch 2. The video game features larger circuits, more customization options, and massive multiplayer. which promises to be one of the biggest attractions for the new generation.
GameChat integration It will allow players to communicate more naturally during games, thanks to the possible integration of cameras and microphones, something that is perceived as one of the major innovations compared to previous models. The ad describes using GameChat as intuitive and essential for the cooperative and competitive experience that Nintendo seeks to enhance.
- GameChat requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership..
- There will be news from the GameCube era available through the Expansion Pack.
Nintendo itself has confirmed that, for those who wish to access the entire multiplayer and classics catalog, There will be various purchase and reservation options, both in standard format and in packs with star games.
Availability, editions and official prices
The Nintendo Switch 2 will be available in Spain starting June 5, 2025., and reservations can now be made both in physical stores and online, depending on stock. Amazon Spain and Amazon Mexico They advance with the official prices on their portals, offering both the Standard Edition (€469 in Spain, $469 in North America) as the bundle that includes Mario Kart World (€509 in Spain, $509 in other markets). In Mexico, this translates to approximately 9,000 and 9,800 Mexican pesos respectively, depending on the edition chosen.
At the same time, the company has adjusted the prices of other star video games and official accessories., with special offers and discounted reservations on titles such as Donkey Kong BananzaNintendo hopes to generate excitement and make the console and its peripherals more accessible to a larger number of households ahead of launch day.
Nostalgia, marketing, and legacy: Paul Rudd's role in the campaign
The decision to bet on Paul Rudd responds to the clever use of nostalgia marketing, a formula Nintendo has mastered for years. Bringing back a once-unknown actor—but now a global star—generates a sense of camaraderie and joy among fans of both generations. It's not just a matter of remembering; it's about celebrating the history of video games themselves. and the way in which the same protagonists can meet the public again after more than three decades.
The campaign has been echoed in numerous media outlets and social platforms, where players and fans celebrate Nintendo's continuity and humor, connecting past, present, and future in a single minute of advertising. The spot has been published alongside the original SNES commercial to facilitate comparison and further highlight the tribute and evolution of the brand.
Public reaction and intergenerational continuity
The announcement has been received with enthusiasm by the gaming community, who appreciate Nintendo's lighthearted tone and willingness to laugh at itselfMany users have reminisced about the original spot and celebrated the longevity of both the brand and Rudd, who has even joked in recent interviews about not having changed much since the '90s and his desire to take a Switch 2 home after filming (although, in his own words, he wasn't allowed to).
The choice of an actor already so closely linked to the console It allows the campaign to expand its reach to audiences who may not be familiar with Nintendo's past, reinforcing the idea of continuity, celebration, and family that has characterized the Japanese company in its most important releases.
It is clear that Nintendo has known how to balance innovation and tradition in the promotion of Switch 2. By bringing back Paul Rudd and paying homage to his memorable SNES ad, the Japanese firm strengthens ties with the community and highlights his legacy, while introducing renewed social features like GameChat and betting on popular titles like Mario Kart World to lead a new era. The launch of Switch 2 promises, at the very least, to unite players of different generations under the premise that now, more than ever, fun is playing together.