Tetris 99 Celebrates Donkey Kong Country Returns HD with Exclusive Maximus Cup Event on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo is kicking off 2025 with a massive celebration for Donkey Kong fans, as the latest Maximus Cup event in Tetris 99 takes on a Donkey Kong Country Returns HD theme for Nintendo Switch.

Hot on the heels of the highly anticipated release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, this crossover event merges two of Nintendo’s premiere franchises, delivering exclusive new content and further strengthening the appeal of both titles on the Switch platform. The Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Maximus Cup event is slated to start on February 13, 2025, at 11:00 pm PT, and will run through February 17, 2025.

During this limited-time event, Tetris 99 players can compete for the chance to unlock a special theme based on Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.

The new theme features distinctive Tetrimino designs, iconic music, and artwork inspired by the latest Donkey Kong adventure, all of which bring an exciting visual and audio twist to the competitive puzzle title. Nintendo officially announced the event on social media, stating that players will have the opportunity to earn the Donkey Kong Country Returns HD theme by participating in the 45th Tetris 99 Maximus Cup.

The statement highlighted that the event’s exclusive music, art, and gameplay assets have been crafted to reflect the charm of Donkey Kong’s newest high-definition release, reinforcing the synergy between both franchises on the Switch. Complementing the Maximus Cup festivities, Nintendo has also released a free demo of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on the Nintendo Switch eShop.

This demo allows players to experience three levels from the game’s first world, inviting new and returning fans to get a taste of the remastered platformer’s action-packed gameplay and improved visuals before committing to a purchase. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, developed and published by Nintendo, marks the first major Switch release for 2025.

The remaster builds upon the original classic, which saw success on the Wii and Nintendo 3DS, offering enhanced graphics and refined controls tailored for modern audiences.

Since launching earlier this year, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has generated significant enthusiasm, reinforcing Nintendo's prowess in reviving nostalgic franchises for current hardware. Tetris 99 continues to attract both veteran and new players through its ongoing series of themed Maximus Cups, which often pay tribute to major Nintendo franchises across the eShop catalogue.

This latest Donkey Kong event not only rewards players with commemorative in-game content but also coincides with the promotional push for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on Nintendo Switch. Players interested in partaking in the Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Maximus Cup should log in between February 13 and 17, 2025, and compete for top scores to secure their exclusive event theme.

With both the Maximus Cup and free eShop demo now available, Donkey Kong fans have plenty of ways to celebrate the beginning of a new year on the Nintendo Switch.

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