Tetris 99 Announces 49th Maximus Cup Featuring Kirby Themes and Easier Unlocks

Nintendo has officially unveiled the 49th Maximus Cup event for Tetris 99, the competitive puzzle phenomenon exclusive to the Nintendo Switch.

While this latest competition for the iconic battle royale-style Tetris title does not introduce a brand-new theme, it does offer players a valuable opportunity to acquire a trio of returning Kirby-themed designs previously celebrated in past in-game events.

Since its launch in February 2019, Tetris 99 has partnered with numerous Nintendo franchises, delighting fans with custom themes and music inspired by the company’s legendary game catalog.

The Maximus Cup events are highly anticipated, regularly rewarding skilful play and attentive participation on the Switch eShop’s hit multiplayer battler.

For the 49th installment, Nintendo is focusing on three acclaimed Kirby titles: Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Kirby’s Dream Buffet, and Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe. The event will run over separate days, with each Kirby theme returning for a limited time.

According to Nintendo, the rollout begins with the Kirby and the Forgotten Land theme on August 29, followed by Kirby’s Dream Buffet on August 31, and finally, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe starting September 1.

Each of these games—developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo—have been major highlights on the Nintendo Switch platform, contributing to the franchise’s enduring popularity. Making the 49th Maximus Cup even more accessible, Nintendo has announced a reduction in the number of event points required to unlock each theme.

Previously, players needed to accumulate 100 points per theme based on their match placements within the game.

For this event, only 20 points are necessary to secure each of the returning Kirby themes, significantly lowering the barrier for both newcomers and returning players wanting to complete their collection. A spokesperson for Nintendo emphasized that this updated system was designed to provide more fans with an opportunity to experience these popular themes, reflecting the company’s commitment to keeping Tetris 99 engaging and inclusive for its active user base.

"We want as many players as possible to enjoy the excitement of our Maximus Cup events and revisit some of the most beloved Kirby themes," the company stated in an official communication. With tens of millions of downloads since its debut and a series of successful collaborations, Tetris 99 continues to be a cornerstone of Nintendo Switch Online’s offerings.

The 49th Maximus Cup exemplifies the title’s ongoing community engagement and underscores Nintendo’s dedication to supporting both iconic franchises and innovative online experiences on the Nintendo Switch. For more information about the event schedule and participation, players are encouraged to visit the official Nintendo website or consult in-game notifications on Tetris 99 via the Nintendo Switch eShop.

Kirby Tetris Nintendo Tetris 99 Maximus Cup Kirby and the Forgotten Land Kirby's Dream Buffet Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Nintendo Switch