23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams is featured in a new Nintendo commercial playing Mario Tennis Aces, Just Dance 2021, and Fitness Boxing 2 on the Switch.
During the ads, the tennis veteran shows the dual functionality of the hybrid console, switching from docked to portable modes. Her trainer, Derrick, joins the session after she plays a quick round of Mario Tennis Aces, and performs with her in Just Dance 2021 to Earth, Wind, and Fire’s September.
Of course, TV spots are an endorsement deal above all else, but this one feels a little more genuine as it appears Nintendo brought on her actual personal trainer. After some digging, we did find a team member named Derrick in one of her coach’s Instagram videos who seems to have a similar look and voice to the guy in the commercial. Nintendo could have easily hired an actor, but they brought someone she knows instead; showing that the commercial could certainly be a bit more genuine, if not played up a little.
According to Patrick Mouratoglou (her coach) in the description for the Instagram video, Williams likes to challenge herself and her team members, so it makes sense that she would put Derrick into a nasty ice bath after losing to a game of Fitness Boxing 2. We feel bad for the guy.
Captain Marvel actress Brie Larson also had her own commercial with Nintendo last month, and she’s made it clear in the past she’s quite a fan of her Switch. She recently was a guest on an Animal Crossing talk show by Gary Whitta, and we know she wants to be Samus in a Metroid movie if that ever becomes a possibility. In her video, she was playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Fortnite, and Ring Fit Adventure.
People in the comments for Serena Williams’ video are petitioning for certain celebrities to appear next. Rick Astley is one of the top voted, as well as Gordon Ramsay. We’d love to see Ramsay shouting at an opponent in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and telling Cooking Mama that the scallops are raw.
Maybe we’ll see more celebrities endorse Nintendo products when they ride the attractions at the Universal theme park. It will be opening in February. Who would you like to see next with these commercials?
