The line between nostalgia and novelty blurs once 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 commercials in console history. Paul Rudd, currently known for his role as Ant-Man in the Marvel Universe, has starred in the first major Nintendo Switch 2 commercial, repeating a historic move that has surprised both veteran and new fans.
Nintendo's strategy has been brilliant: reviving the commercial Paul Rudd filmed for the Super Nintendo (SNES) in 1991 and giving it a fresh twist, blending humor, self-referential nods, and a strong focus on shared gaming. The campaign, which has already gone viral, not only announces the upcoming console launch but also celebrates the passage of time and the evolution of the brand, uniting generations through a figure who has aged alongside the audience.
A 30-year leap: from drive-in to living room
It was 1991 when a young Paul Rudd first appeared in a Super Nintendo commercial in the United States. There, sporting a long jacket , a hairstyle, and a necklace characteristic of the era, he radiated youthful energy while presenting the cutting-edge technology of the time. Now, in 2025, the same Rudd—a bit more mature but with the same charisma—recreates the outfit and spirit , bringing that 90s setting into the present day, but this time to present the Nintendo Switch 2.
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 is both recognizable and endearing. Even Rudd himself jokes about his look and the staging, embracing the lighthearted and self-referential tone that characterizes these commercials.
Now You're Playing Together: The Evolution of the Motto
The slogan "Now You're Playing Together" replaces the iconic "Now You're Playing with Power" that accompanied previous generations of Nintendo consoles. This time, the company is focusing on highlighting the social and multiplayer possibilities of the Switch 2. In the video, Rudd connects the console and races in Mario Kart World alongside well-known figures from the international comedy scene, while they explore the new integrated GameChat feature.
The commercial emphasizes how technology has changed the way we play and communicate. GameChat allows interaction via voice and video , fostering cooperation and friendly rivalry between players, regardless of their location. This leap toward social integration is one of the key differentiators of the Switch 2 compared to its predecessors.
A knowing tribute to the past with a sense of humor
Nintendo's commercial is not just a product advertisement, but a bridge between two eras : the 90s, with the leap to 16-bit gaming, and the current era, marked by globalization and connectivity. The appearance of Paul Rudd, who maintains the original's attire and demeanor but adapts to modern sensibilities, serves as a nod to those who experienced the original launch and as a friendly introduction for new audiences.
In the same ad, Rudd is seen being teased by his fellow gamers, who laugh at his "very '90s" acting and the almost theatrical presentation of the commercial. There are sequences that hark back to classic SNES games (like F-Zero and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past), and references to contemporary titles such as F-Zero '99 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are included in the on-screen menu, reinforcing the brand's continuity.
Mario Kart World and GameChat: Big assets at launch
The spotlight in the announcement is on Mario Kart World , the flagship launch title for Switch 2. The video game features larger tracks, more customization options, and a massive multiplayer mode that promises to be one of the biggest attractions of the new generation.
The integration of GameChat will allow players to communicate more naturally during gameplay, thanks to the potential integration of cameras and microphones—a feature seen as one of the biggest improvements over previous models. The announcement describes GameChat as intuitive and essential for the cooperative and competitive experience that Nintendo aims 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 classic catalog, there will be various purchase and reservation options , both in standard format and in packs along with star games.
Availability, editions and official prices
The Nintendo Switch 2 will be available in Spain starting June 5, 2025 , and pre-orders can already be placed both in physical stores and online, depending on stock. Amazon Spain and Amazon Mexico have already listed the official prices on their websites, offering both the standard edition (€469 in Spain, $469 in North America) and 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 flagship video games and official accessories , with special offers and discounted pre-orders for titles like Donkey Kong Bananza . Nintendo hopes this will generate excitement and make the console and its peripherals more accessible to a wider range of households ahead of launch day.
Nostalgia, marketing, and legacy: Paul Rudd's role in the campaign
The decision to cast Paul Rudd is a clever use of nostalgia marketing , a formula Nintendo has mastered for years. Bringing back an actor who was once unknown—but is now a global star—generates a sense of connection and joy among fans of both generations. It's not just about reminiscing; it's about celebrating the history of video games themselves and how the same characters can reconnect with their audience after more than three decades.
The campaign has resonated across numerous media outlets and social media platforms, where players and fans are celebrating Nintendo's continuity and humor in connecting past, present, and future in a single minute of advertising. The spot has been released alongside the original SNES commercial to facilitate comparison and further highlight the homage and evolution of the brand.
Public reaction and intergenerational continuity
The announcement has been enthusiastically received by the gaming community, who appreciate the lighthearted tone and Nintendo's willingness to poke fun at itself . Many users have reminisced about the original commercial 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).
Choosing an actor so closely associated with the console allows the campaign to reach audiences who may not be familiar with Nintendo's past, reinforcing the idea of ​​continuity, celebration, and family that has characterized the Japanese firm in its most important releases.
It's clear that Nintendo has successfully balanced innovation and tradition in promoting the Switch 2. By bringing back Paul Rudd and paying homage to his memorable SNES commercial, the Japanese company strengthens its ties with the community and highlights its legacy, while introducing revamped social features like GameChat and featuring popular titles like Mario Kart World to usher in a new era. The Switch 2 launch promises, at the very least, to unite players of different generations under the premise that now, more than ever, the fun lies in playing together.