Nintendo is starting 2026 with a fun crossover for competitive puzzle fans. Tetris 99 is hosting its first Maximus Cup of the year, and this time it’s celebrating the charming world of Animal Crossing. Tetris 99’s First Maximus Cup of 2026 Celebrates Animal Crossing with a Special Theme. Players who participate in the event will be able to unlock a special Animal Crossing–themed visual set, giving their Tetris matches a cozy, island-inspired makeover.
This crossover continues Nintendo’s tradition of blending its iconic franchises into Tetris 99, keeping the game fresh and rewarding for long-time players.
What Is the Maximus Cup?
The Maximus Cup is a recurring limited-time event in Tetris 99 where players compete online to earn points. By reaching a specific score threshold during the event, players unlock a unique in-game theme that permanently changes the look and feel of their matches.
Themes typically include:
- Custom backgrounds
- Special block designs
- Unique sound effects
- Music inspired by the featured franchise
Once unlocked, the theme can be selected anytime, even after the event ends.
Animal Crossing Meets Tetris
The Animal Crossing theme brings the warm, relaxing vibe of Nintendo’s life-simulation series into the fast-paced world of Tetris 99. While exact visual details may vary, players can expect familiar Animal Crossing elements woven into:
- The background artwork
- Block patterns
- Menu sounds
- Music inspired by the series
This combination of calm aesthetics and competitive gameplay creates a charming contrast that many players love.
How to Unlock the Special Theme
To unlock the Animal Crossing theme, players need to participate in Tetris 99 matches during the Maximus Cup period and accumulate event points. The points are earned simply by playing and performing well in matches, making the theme accessible to both casual and competitive players.
Once the required point total is reached, the theme is permanently added to the player’s collection.
Why Nintendo Keeps Doing These Crossovers
Tetris 99 has become more than just a competitive puzzle game—it’s also a platform for celebrating Nintendo’s wider universe. By tying Maximus Cups to major franchises, Nintendo:
- Keeps players engaged with regular events
- Promotes its iconic game series
- Rewards fans with collectible cosmetic content
Animal Crossing is especially well suited for this kind of crossover, thanks to its broad appeal and instantly recognizable style.
A Cozy Start to 2026
Choosing Animal Crossing for the first Maximus Cup of 2026 sets a warm, friendly tone for the year. While Tetris 99 can be intense and competitive, the Animal Crossing theme adds a layer of comfort and familiarity that makes every match feel a little more welcoming.
It’s also a reminder of how versatile Nintendo’s properties are—able to fit into everything from life sims to puzzle battle royales.
Don’t Miss the Event
Maximus Cups are only available for a limited time, so players who want the Animal Crossing theme will need to jump into Tetris 99 while the event is active. Once the cup ends, the theme usually becomes unavailable, making it a fun collectible for fans of both Tetris and Animal Crossing.
Final Thoughts
The Animal Crossing–themed Maximus Cup is a perfect way to kick off 2026 for Tetris 99 players. By blending cozy island vibes with high-stakes puzzle action, Nintendo once again proves how well its franchises can complement each other.
Whether you’re a seasoned Tetris competitor or a casual Animal Crossing fan, this event offers a charming reason to dive back into Tetris 99 and earn a special new look for your matches.