Kirby rides into Tetris 99 as the 50th MAXIMUS CUP goes live

Table of Content

Nintendo has confirmed a milestone event for its battle-royale puzzler: the 50th MAXIMUS CUP in Tetris 99. The limited-time online event spotlights a crossover with Kirby Air Riders, arriving as an unlockable in-game theme. To get it, players need to accumulate 100 event points by playing matches in Tetris 99 mode. The event runs for a short window in early December and marks the 50th community event hosted for the game. Nintendo notes that Kirby Air Riders is available now, exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 system.

When it runs (PT)

The publisher has provided exact Pacific Time start and end times for the event. The window is brief, so players planning to unlock the theme will need to play during the days listed below.

Event window – Pacific Time

How to unlock the Kirby-themed content

The process is straightforward and tied to normal play in Tetris 99 mode. No additional steps beyond playing matches during the event window are indicated in the official notice.

• Play matches in Tetris 99 mode during the event period.
• Accumulate 100 event points in total to unlock the in-game theme inspired by Kirby Air Riders.

What the crossover includes

The collaboration grants an in-game theme based on Kirby Air Riders. The announcement frames it as a celebratory tie-in for the 50th event, focusing on the franchise’s pink hero and other riders. Specific visual or audio components were not detailed, but the theme is event-limited and earned through play.

Platforms and availability context

Tetris 99 is available on Nintendo Switch and hosts the MAXIMUS CUP events there. Kirby Air Riders – the source of the crossover theme – is described as available now exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. The theme unlock is obtained within Tetris 99 and tied to the event’s timeframe.

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Requirements for online participation

Access to the online event features requires standard Nintendo services. Availability may vary by region, and an Internet connection is necessary.

• Nintendo Switch Online membership and a Nintendo Account are required for online features.
• Internet access is needed; online features are not available in all countries.
• General terms from the platform holder apply.

Official video

Announcement video (YouTube): https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/a0fW9zDusfA

Why it matters – a fast unlock for theme collectors

For Tetris 99 regulars and Kirby fans, this is a concise, time-limited objective – play a handful of matches, reach 100 event points, and add a new crossover theme to your collection. The window is short, so planning a few sessions between Dec. 4-8 (PT) will be key if you want this milestone memento.