It’s 1991. A young Paul Rudd, rocking a long black trench coat, a beaded necklace, and a hairstyle that can only be described as gloriously ambitious, struts up to a drive-in movie theater. He’s carrying a Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), ready to blow everyone’s minds. With a mischievous grin, he hooks up the console to the massive screen, and suddenly, the crowd is treated to pixelated perfection: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, F-Zero, SimCity. The vibe? Pure, unfiltered 90s cool. The tagline? “Now you’re playing with power.” It’s iconic, it’s cheesy, and it’s cemented in gaming history as one of the most memorable console commercials ever.

Fast forward to 2025, and Nintendo has brought Rudd back—34 years older, yet somehow still looking like he could pass for 35—to hype the Nintendo Switch 2. The new commercial is a love letter to that ’90s SNES ad, complete with all the corniness you’d expect, plus a hefty dose of self-aware humor. It’s a nostalgic gut-punch for longtime Nintendo fans and a charming introduction to the Switch 2 for newcomers.

The new commercial opens with Rudd, now 56, channeling his 1991 self. He’s got the same long coat, the same beaded necklace, and yes, that same hair. (How does he pull it off? Ageless charm? A deal with a fountain of youth? We may never know.) But instead of a drive-in, he set up the console in a cozy living room, where he’s joined by comedians Joe Lo Truglio, Jordan Carlos, and a kid who adorably calls him “Uncle Paul.” They fire up the Switch 2 and dive into Mario Kart World, showcasing the console’s new GameChat feature, which lets players banter in real-time during multiplayer sessions.

The ad leans hard into the ’90s vibe. There’s a fog machine cranking out atmosphere, a fan dramatically blowing Rudd’s hair, and plenty of playful jabs at the original commercial’s over-the-top intensity. Lo Truglio and Carlos tease Rudd about his retro get-up, with one quipping, “Did you borrow that coat from The Matrix?” Rudd, ever the good sport, rolls with it, even poking fun at his own 90s persona. The commercial wraps with a new tagline: “Now we’re playing together.” It’s a sweet nod to the Switch 2’s focus on social gaming, and it lands with just the right amount of heart.

Nintendo has always been a master of nostalgia, and this ad is no exception. By bringing back Rudd and riffing on the SNES commercial, the company taps into a deep well of goodwill from fans who grew up with the original console. The 1991 ad wasn’t just a marketing gimmick; it was a cultural moment, a snapshot of a time when gaming was becoming mainstream and Nintendo was at the forefront. Recreating it with a modern twist feels like a high-five to those fans, while also introducing the Switch 2 to a new generation.

The humor is key. Nintendo could’ve played it straight, but by leaning into the absurdity of the original—fog machine and all—they show they’re in on the joke. It’s a risky move; nostalgia can easily feel pandering if mishandled. But Rudd’s easygoing charm and the ad’s lighthearted tone keep it from veering into cringe territory. Plus, the inclusion of comedians like Lo Truglio (known for Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and Carlos (a veteran of The Nightly Show) adds a layer of improv-style banter that makes the whole thing feel like a fun hangout.

The commercial isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a showcase for the Nintendo Switch 2, which has been generating buzz since its announcement. According to Nintendo’s official channels, preorders for the Switch 2 kick off on April 24, 2025 (previously April 9 date). The console will retail for $449.99 standalone, or $499.99 bundled with Mario Kart World. General availability starts June 5, 2025, just in time for the summer gaming season.