Paul Rudd Just Broke the Nintendo Internet: Why His Switch 2 Ad (and IGN's Coverage!) is Pure Gold for Gamers

(Published: April 20, 2025)

Hold onto your Joy-Cons, USA! The hype train for the Nintendo Switch 2 just got a massive, nostalgia-fueled boost, and it comes courtesy of one of Hollywood's most beloved and seemingly ageless stars: Paul Rudd. In a move that has sent shockwaves of delight through the gaming community, Nintendo dropped a brand-new commercial for its upcoming console, featuring Rudd reprising a role he first played 34 years ago in an iconic ad for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).

If you're a gamer of a certain vintage, you probably remember that classic 1991 commercial. If you're newer to the scene, you've likely seen clips surface online, showcasing a young, pre-Clueless, pre-Ant-Man Paul Rudd looking intensely '90s while demonstrating the "power" of the SNES. Now, in a stroke of marketing genius, Nintendo and Rudd have recreated that magic for the Switch 2, shifting the focus from "playing with power" to "playing together."

Leading gaming news outlet IGN was front and center, breaking the story and providing exclusive insights, including an interview with Rudd himself about stepping back into his retro gaming shoes. This isn't just a celebrity endorsement; it's a cultural moment, a bridge between gaming generations, and a fascinating look at how star power, nostalgia, and cutting-edge tech can collide. For EduGuideUSA readers, especially our dedicated Nintendo fans and the wider US gamer audience, this is a story that hits all the right notes – fun, surprising, and deeply rooted in the shared history of gaming. Let's dive into why this Paul Rudd x Nintendo reunion, amplified by IGN, is the trending topic you need to know about.

Blast From the Past: When Paul Rudd Played with Power (Super Power!)

Before we fully appreciate the genius of the new Switch 2 ad, we need to travel back to 1991. The Super Nintendo was the hot new console, promising 16-bit graphics, amazing sound, and a library of games that would become legendary. To capture the imagination of kids and teens across America, Nintendo needed commercials that popped. Enter a young, relatively unknown actor named Paul Rudd.

The original SNES commercial is a glorious time capsule of early '90s cool (or what passed for it then). Picture this: dramatic, almost horror-movie music swells as Rudd, clad in a long black coat, a beaded necklace, and sporting some truly epic '90s hair, strides purposefully towards what looks like a deserted drive-in movie theater. The atmosphere is thick with fog (thanks, fog machine!). He doesn't just play the SNES; he hooks it up to the massive drive-in screen, bathing the desolate landscape in the vibrant pixels of F-Zero, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Sim City, and Pilotwings.

As he plays with intense concentration, shadowy figures emerge, drawn to the spectacle. It's slightly eerie, incredibly over-the-top, and culminates in the unforgettable tagline: "Now you're playing with power. SUPER POWER!"

The commercial became a cult classic for several reasons. It perfectly captured the slightly edgy, intense marketing vibe of the era. It showcased incredible games that defined a generation. And, retrospectively, it's fascinating to see a future Hollywood A-lister in one of his earliest roles, selling video games with such dramatic flair. IGN recently highlighted this classic ad again (you can likely find it on their site or YouTube channel), reminding everyone of Rudd's surprising connection to Nintendo history just as the new ad dropped. This blast from the past set the stage perfectly for his 2025 return.

"Now We're Playing Together": Rudd's Epic Switch 2 Callback

Fast forward 34 years. The Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon, promising new hardware, exciting features, and, of course, new games like the highly anticipated Mario Kart World. How does Nintendo generate maximum buzz? By tapping into that rich vein of nostalgia and bringing back the original SNES pitchman himself.

The new "Now We're Playing Together" commercial, heavily featured by IGN and other outlets like Game Rant and GamesRadar+, is a masterful blend of homage and modernity. It opens almost identically to the 1991 ad: the dramatic music, the fog machine working overtime (this time indoors), and Paul Rudd, miraculously looking almost the same age, sporting the exact same coat, necklace, and hairstyle. He dramatically docks the Switch 2.

But then, the tone shifts. The intensity breaks as Rudd uses the Switch 2's new "GameChat" feature – an integrated voice and video chat service. Suddenly, he's not playing alone in a mysterious void; he's trash-talking his friends, comedians Joe Lo Truglio (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and Jordan Carlos, along with a kid who calls him "Uncle Paul," as they race each other in Mario Kart World.

His friends playfully mock his retro outfit and over-the-top '90s demeanor. The commercial cleverly lampshades its own cheesiness, acknowledging the goofiness of the original while highlighting the social, connected experience the Switch 2 aims to deliver. The fog machine even gets a specific call-out. The tagline evolves, too. As Rudd himself voices at the end, echoing the past but pointing to the future: "You know guys, it's nice playing with power, but this is better... because now we're playing together."

It's charming, self-aware, and incredibly effective. It tells gamers who grew up with the SNES, "We remember, and we've evolved," while showing a new generation that gaming is about connection. The choice of Mario Kart World, the flagship launch title, is deliberate, emphasizing multiplayer fun right out of the gate.

IGN Exclusive: Paul Rudd Talks Nintendo, Then and Now

A key part of this trending story is the excellent coverage provided by IGN. They didn't just report on the commercial; they secured an exclusive sit-down interview with Paul Rudd himself, offering valuable context and behind-the-scenes tidbits that gamers crave.

Reported by Rebekah Valentine for IGN, the interview revealed fascinating details. Rudd shared his memories (or lack thereof) of the original shoot – he even suspects the beaded necklace might have been his own! He confirmed that the vibe on the new set was just as fun, admitting he kept playing Mario Kart World between takes. He playfully lamented, however, that Nintendo didn't let him take a coveted Nintendo Switch 2 console home after the shoot wrapped. (Relatable, Paul, relatable.)

Having IGN, a trusted and massively popular source for gaming news in the US and globally, provide this level of access adds significant weight to the story. Their video interview allows fans to hear directly from Rudd about bridging a 34-year gap in his Nintendo advertising career. It reinforces the idea that this isn't just a random celebrity cameo; it's a deliberate, thoughtful campaign steeped in gaming history. IGN's reporting, including details about the specific games shown then and now (Zelda, F-Zero, Sim City vs. Mario Kart World), provides the kind of in-depth analysis that resonates with dedicated fans.

Other IGN content related to this includes hosting the official trailer itself and even a look back at the original 1991 commercial, making them a central hub for anyone wanting to explore this story further.

Confirmation? Paul Rudd, The Relatable Gamer

So, is Paul Rudd actually a gamer? While he might not be a hardcore esports competitor, the evidence suggests he's certainly game-familiar and enjoys playing. The new ad explicitly shows him enjoying Mario Kart World. And digging a little deeper reveals other connections.

A recent PEOPLE Magazine article (April 1, 2025) shared a touching anecdote where Rudd recalled his time on the set of Friends. He mentioned how the late Matthew Perry, seeing Rudd walk past his dressing room shortly after he joined the cast, invited him in to play video games. Rudd admitted, "I'm not really a gamer. I don't know if he was either," but he cherished the welcoming gesture. While not specific to Nintendo, this story paints a picture of Rudd engaging with games as a social activity, a way to connect – aligning perfectly with the "playing together" theme of the new Switch 2 ad.

His willingness to participate so enthusiastically in both the original SNES ad and this new Switch 2 campaign suggests, at the very least, a strong appreciation for Nintendo and its place in pop culture. He understands the significance of these consoles and the joy they bring. This perceived authenticity makes him the perfect ambassador. He embodies the "everyman" charm – successful Hollywood star, Marvel superhero, but also potentially someone who enjoys a few rounds of Mario Kart or remembers the thrill of unboxing an SNES. This relatability is marketing gold, especially for a brand like Nintendo that thrives on broad appeal.

Nintendo's Masterstroke: Weaponizing Nostalgia for the Future

Let's be clear: this advertising campaign is brilliant. Nintendo has expertly weaponized nostalgia, not just to trigger fond memories, but to build excitement for its future hardware.

Targeting Multiple Generations: The ad speaks directly to Gen X and older Millennials who grew up with the SNES and remember the original commercial (and Rudd's early career). It simultaneously appeals to younger gamers through the sheer star power of Paul Rudd (Ant-Man!) and the inherent humor of the throwback concept.
Reinforcing Brand Identity: By referencing its own history, Nintendo reinforces its legacy and longevity in the gaming industry. It reminds consumers that they've been delivering iconic gaming experiences for decades.
Highlighting Key Features: The ad isn't just nostalgia. It cleverly integrates the promotion of the new GameChat feature and the social aspect of the Switch 2, directly contrasting the solitary "power" of the past with the connected "togetherness" of the present.
Leveraging Rudd's Ageless Appeal: The long-running internet joke about Paul Rudd seemingly never aging (as highlighted by outlets like LADbible covering the fan reaction) works perfectly here. Seeing him don the same '90s gear 34 years later and look remarkably similar adds an extra layer of surreal fun and gets people talking.

Nintendo understands its audience. They know that many Switch players also owned an NES or SNES. This campaign feels less like cynical marketing and more like a shared inside joke, a celebration of how far gaming (and Paul Rudd) have come. It connects the past, present, and future of Nintendo in one charming, fog-filled package.

The Buzz: How USA Gamers and Nintendo Fans are Reacting

The reaction online has been overwhelmingly positive, bordering on ecstatic. Platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and IGN's comment sections exploded with discussion the moment the ad dropped.

Nostalgia Overload: Many older gamers expressed pure delight at seeing the direct callback to the SNES era. Comments like "Right in the childhood!" or "I feel seen!" were common.
The "Rudd Doesn't Age" Phenomenon: As mentioned, countless posts marveled at Rudd's youthful appearance, with the comparison between the 1991 and 2025 ads providing stark visual evidence for the popular meme. LADbible and others picked up on this specific angle, amplifying the conversation.
Genuine Excitement for Switch 2: Beyond the Rudd factor, the ad successfully boosted hype for the console itself. Seeing Mario Kart World in action and the demonstration of GameChat generated positive discussion about the Switch 2's potential.
Appreciation for the Concept: Gamers recognized and appreciated the cleverness and self-awareness of the ad. It felt authentic to Nintendo's often playful and sometimes quirky marketing style. The inclusion of Joe Lo Truglio also earned points from comedy fans.
IGN's Role Applauded: Many comments specifically referenced the IGN interview and coverage, thanking them for the deeper dive and access to Rudd.

For the target audience of EduGuideUSA – US gamers and Nintendo fans – this campaign landed perfectly. It tapped into shared cultural touchstones, utilized a beloved celebrity intrinsically linked (however unexpectedly) to Nintendo's past, and generated genuine excitement for what's next.

The EduGuideUSA Takeaway: Gaming is Ageless, Social, and Fun

What can we, as the EduGuideUSA community, take away from this brilliant piece of pop culture and gaming news?

Gaming is a Lifelong Pursuit: Paul Rudd was selling consoles in 1991, and he's doing it again in 2025. This highlights how gaming isn't just a childhood hobby but an enduring form of entertainment that evolves with us. Nintendo, in particular, excels at creating experiences that appeal across generations.
The Power of Connection: The shift from "Playing with Power" to "Playing Together" reflects a broader trend in gaming and society. While solo adventures are great, the social aspect – playing with friends and family, whether in the same room or online via features like GameChat – is increasingly central. This ad celebrates that connection.
Nostalgia as a Positive Force: Looking back at gaming history isn't just about rose-tinted glasses. It connects us to formative experiences and shared cultural moments. Nintendo's embrace of its past, while innovating for the future, shows how nostalgia can be used to build community and excitement.
Fun Transcends Age: Paul Rudd, now 56, clearly had a blast filming this commercial, just as players of all ages will likely have a blast playing the Switch 2. It's a reminder that playfulness and fun are essential at any stage of life.

Conclusion: Super Power Meets Super Together

The return of Paul Rudd to Nintendo advertising, 34 years after his SNES debut, is more than just a clever marketing ploy; it's a cultural event perfectly timed for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch hype. Fueled by nostalgia, Rudd's enduring charm, and amplified by comprehensive coverage from major outlets like IGN (including that fantastic exclusive interview), this campaign has captured the attention of gamers across the USA and beyond.

It brilliantly bridges the gap between Nintendo's storied past and its promising future, reminding us of the solitary "power" of the SNES era while championing the connected, "together" experience of the Switch 2. Whether you remember the original ad vividly or are just meeting '90s gamer Rudd for the first time, it's impossible not to smile.

As we anticipate the June 5th launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and prepare to dive into Mario Kart World, this campaign serves as a perfect appetizer – a celebration of gaming history, star power, and the simple joy of playing together. Paul Rudd, once Nintendo's agent of "Super Power," is now the perfect ambassador for being "Super Together." Well played, Nintendo. Well played.