Nintendo fans can look forward to a special crossover event this January as Tetris 99, the popular battle royale puzzle game developed by Arika and published by Nintendo, kicks off its 51st Maximus Cup.
The event is set for January 8 through January 12, 2026, giving players a window to compete and earn exclusive rewards.
This latest Maximus Cup has a timely and celebratory theme: Animal Crossing: New Horizons, in anticipation of its upgraded release for Nintendo Switch 2.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons originally launched for Nintendo Switch in March 2020 and quickly became one of the console’s best-selling games, delighting millions of players with its charming life-simulation gameplay.
Now, the beloved title is set to launch in an enhanced edition for Nintendo's next-generation hardware, the Nintendo Switch 2, on January 15, 2026.
Ahead of the new release, a major update will be made available to all current Switch and future Switch 2 players at no additional cost, ensuring that the community remains connected across hardware generations. For the 51st Maximus Cup, participants who have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription can join competitive matches throughout the event weekend.
Players who earn a total of 100 event points will unlock a permanent Animal Crossing: New Horizons theme for use in Tetris 99.
This exclusive crossover theme includes visuals, music, and sound effects inspired by Animal Crossing, further integrating Nintendo’s iconic franchises and offering fans a fun way to celebrate the game's Switch 2 debut. According to an official statement on the Nintendo of America website, players can expect the familiar format of the Maximus Cup tournaments.
As with previous events, points can be accrued based on match placement, allowing both veteran and new competitors a chance to unlock the unique theme.
This tournament underscores Nintendo’s ongoing strategy of connecting its most popular franchises while providing incentives for Nintendo Switch Online members to return for recurring online events. This Maximus Cup arrives on the heels of big news for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which continues to receive support well after its original release.
The upcoming free update signals Nintendo’s commitment to both its loyal fanbase and its evolving platform ecosystem, building anticipation for the Switch 2’s launch and the refreshed Animal Crossing experience. Tetris 99 is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch eShop for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
To participate in Maximus Cup 51 and unlock the Animal Crossing: New Horizons theme, be sure to log in between January 8 and January 12, 2026, and rack up those event points.
For more details, visit the official Nintendo of America website.
The event is set for January 8 through January 12, 2026, giving players a window to compete and earn exclusive rewards.
This latest Maximus Cup has a timely and celebratory theme: Animal Crossing: New Horizons, in anticipation of its upgraded release for Nintendo Switch 2.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons originally launched for Nintendo Switch in March 2020 and quickly became one of the console’s best-selling games, delighting millions of players with its charming life-simulation gameplay.
Now, the beloved title is set to launch in an enhanced edition for Nintendo's next-generation hardware, the Nintendo Switch 2, on January 15, 2026.
Ahead of the new release, a major update will be made available to all current Switch and future Switch 2 players at no additional cost, ensuring that the community remains connected across hardware generations. For the 51st Maximus Cup, participants who have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription can join competitive matches throughout the event weekend.
Players who earn a total of 100 event points will unlock a permanent Animal Crossing: New Horizons theme for use in Tetris 99.
This exclusive crossover theme includes visuals, music, and sound effects inspired by Animal Crossing, further integrating Nintendo’s iconic franchises and offering fans a fun way to celebrate the game's Switch 2 debut. According to an official statement on the Nintendo of America website, players can expect the familiar format of the Maximus Cup tournaments.
As with previous events, points can be accrued based on match placement, allowing both veteran and new competitors a chance to unlock the unique theme.
This tournament underscores Nintendo’s ongoing strategy of connecting its most popular franchises while providing incentives for Nintendo Switch Online members to return for recurring online events. This Maximus Cup arrives on the heels of big news for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which continues to receive support well after its original release.
The upcoming free update signals Nintendo’s commitment to both its loyal fanbase and its evolving platform ecosystem, building anticipation for the Switch 2’s launch and the refreshed Animal Crossing experience. Tetris 99 is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch eShop for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
To participate in Maximus Cup 51 and unlock the Animal Crossing: New Horizons theme, be sure to log in between January 8 and January 12, 2026, and rack up those event points.
For more details, visit the official Nintendo of America website.
