Paul Rudd Just Solved a $450 Problem With Pure Nostalgia

Just when it felt like joy was getting harder to come by, Paul Rudd walks back into our lives—this time, through a fog machine. In a new Nintendo Switch 2 ad, the ageless star resurrects his cheesy 90s charm to remind us that even when the world feels out of control, connection and laughter still matter. And for the millions facing joblessness and stress, this surprise dose of silliness is more than just an ad—it’s a flashback-fueled comfort blanket with a side of hope.

Nintendo’s decision to launch its Switch 2 marketing campaign with Paul Rudd at the center wasn’t just a nod to 90s nostalgia—it was a tactical masterstroke. Rudd reprises his role from a 1991 Super Nintendo ad, complete with the black coat, questionable necklace, and windswept hair. But this time, he’s older, self-aware, and even more lovable. The new commercial, “Now You’re Playing Together,” swaps the drive-in theater for a cozy living room, and arcade isolation for chaotic multiplayer bonding.

Alongside comedians Joe Lo Truglio, Jordan Carlos, and a scene-stealing kid who calls him “Uncle Paul,” Rudd plugs in the Switch 2 and launches into a friendly Mario Kart World race. The new GameChat feature gets some playful attention, and the ad fully leans into the over-the-top theatrics of the original—complete with fog, lights, and lovingly bad acting. But beneath the nostalgia lies a clear message: games aren’t just for escape anymore—they’re for togetherness.

For those navigating unemployment and uncertainty, it’s a timely reminder. The ad doesn’t sell power—it sells play. Togetherness. A moment of joy that doesn’t require a job title or a 9-to-5. Even Rudd himself admitted during an interview with IGN that he couldn’t stop playing Mario Kart World on set between takes—though he wasn’t allowed to keep the console. “They didn’t let me take one home,” he laughed. “I just wanted to keep playing.”

Nintendo announced that Switch 2 pre-orders open on April 24, with the price holding at $450—though accessory prices have crept up due to tariffs. The full release hits shelves June 5, accompanied by a wave of Mario Kart World trailers showing off new characters, trick moves, and redesigned tracks. It’s clear Nintendo’s racing hard out the gate with this launch.

Here’s a quick glance at what’s coming:

While the system isn’t cheap, what Rudd and Nintendo manage to tap into is priceless—a sense of belonging, playfulness, and yes, a little absurd joy that unemployed people often go without. In a moment when the future feels blurry, even a fog machine and a throwback ad can bring clarity.

For those struggling with job loss, here are some real, no-nonsense tips inspired by all this:

• Take breaks that actually bring joy. Rewatch an old favorite ad, show, or game. Let nostalgia fuel a mental reset.
• Use play as a social tool. Even free mobile games or older consoles can be a great way to reconnect with friends or family.
• Don’t be afraid to laugh at the weird stuff. Life is chaotic, but humor—especially the cheesy kind—can lift your spirits in ways job boards never will.
• Create a “comfort ritual.” Whether it’s a daily walk, a silly YouTube binge, or ten minutes of a favorite game, make space for it. Regularly.

Because sometimes, playing together is the first step to pulling yourself back up.