Nintendo is ringing in 2026 with a familiar competitive favorite, as Tetris 99 launches its first Maximus Cup of the year, this time celebrating Animal Crossing’s Switch 2 Edition alongside the game’s free Version 3.0 update. Tetris 99’s First Maximus Cup of 2026 Celebrates Animal Crossing Switch 2 Edition and Free 3.0 Update. As always, the limited-time event gives players the chance to unlock a special in-game theme by earning points through online matches.
Maximus Cups have become a staple for Tetris 99 players, offering themed rewards tied to major Nintendo releases and milestones. Starting 2026 with an Animal Crossing collaboration feels especially fitting, given the franchise’s ongoing popularity and its fresh presence on Nintendo’s next-generation hardware.
A Crossover That Feels Right at Home
Animal Crossing and Tetris 99 may seem like very different games, but both share a massive, dedicated fanbase and a strong presence within Nintendo Switch Online. Bringing Animal Crossing into the spotlight for the first Maximus Cup of 2026 highlights how Nintendo continues to cross-promote its biggest franchises through live events.
The timing also lines up neatly with the Animal Crossing Switch 2 Edition, giving fans another way to celebrate the game’s arrival on new hardware while enjoying a competitive multiplayer experience.
What the Maximus Cup Offers
As with previous events, players participate in standard Tetris 99 online matches during the event window. By accumulating 100 event points, participants can permanently unlock a special Animal Crossing-themed design.
The themed reward typically includes:
- Animal Crossing-inspired visuals
- Custom background art
- Themed music tied to the franchise
- Iconic sound effects adapted for Tetris gameplay
Once unlocked, the theme remains available to use even after the event ends, making Maximus Cups especially appealing to collectors.
Celebrating Animal Crossing’s Switch 2 Era
The Maximus Cup theme isn’t just a general Animal Crossing crossover — it specifically celebrates the Switch 2 Edition and the free Version 3.0 update, marking a new chapter for the cozy life-sim series.
Nintendo has frequently used Tetris 99 events to spotlight major updates and releases, and this Cup serves as both a celebration and a reminder that Animal Crossing continues to evolve alongside Nintendo hardware.
For fans who have invested countless hours into island life, the event offers a fun, competitive way to engage with the franchise outside its usual relaxed pace.
Easy to Join, Hard to Master
One of the reasons Maximus Cups remain popular is their accessibility. Anyone with:
- An active Nintendo Switch Online membership
- A copy of Tetris 99
can jump in and start earning points immediately. There’s no need to place first or win matches — points are earned simply by playing, though stronger performances naturally speed up progress.
This structure allows casual players to participate without pressure, while still giving competitive players something to chase.
A Strong Start for 2026 Events
Kicking off the year with a Maximus Cup tied to a major Nintendo franchise sends a clear signal that Tetris 99 will continue to receive event support throughout 2026. Even years after launch, the game remains a central pillar of Nintendo Switch Online’s value, thanks to frequent themed events and steady engagement.
For Nintendo, these Cups also act as low-friction promotional tools — reminding players of new releases and updates without intrusive advertising.
Why Tetris 99 Still Matters
Despite being several years old, Tetris 99 remains one of the most-played competitive puzzle games on Nintendo platforms. Its fast-paced battle royale format keeps matches fresh, while Maximus Cups add seasonal variety and collectible rewards.
Events like this help ensure the game doesn’t fade into the background, even as Nintendo shifts focus toward Switch 2 software.
Final Thoughts
The first Tetris 99 Maximus Cup of 2026 is a celebration that feels both nostalgic and timely. By spotlighting Animal Crossing’s Switch 2 Edition and free 3.0 update, Nintendo brings together two of its most beloved experiences in a way that’s easy to jump into and rewarding to complete.
For longtime Tetris 99 players, it’s another chance to expand their theme collection. For Animal Crossing fans, it’s a fun crossover moment that extends the celebration beyond island life. Either way, it’s a strong, cheerful start to Nintendo’s event calendar for the new year.