Tetris 99 lines up 51st MAXIMUS CUP with Animal Crossing crossover

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The next online event in Tetris 99 is locked in. Nintendo has announced the 51st MAXIMUS CUP, a limited-time competition that lets players earn an in-game theme inspired by updated content from Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The event runs in the Americas on a tightly defined schedule and uses the familiar points-based format. A separate Animal Crossing: New Horizons update arrives January 15, suggesting a coordinated beat across both titles.

What’s included in this MAXIMUS CUP

The prize is a special Tetris 99 theme shaped by the latest Animal Crossing: New Horizons content. To unlock it, players must engage with the standard competitive mode during the event window and collect 100 event points. As with previous cups, points are earned by participating in matches in Tetris 99 mode.

How to unlock the event theme

• Play during the event window in Tetris 99 mode.
• Accumulate 100 event points through match participation and performance.
• Once 100 points are reached, the Animal Crossing–inspired theme is added to your in-game collection.

Event timing (Pacific Time)

The window is short – plan your sessions accordingly. Below is the precise schedule as provided in the official announcement.

MAXIMUS CUP 51 schedule at a glance

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Animal Crossing: New Horizons update follows

Nintendo also notes that Animal Crossing: New Horizons will receive a new update on January 15. No feature list was detailed in the announcement; more information is expected closer to the rollout.

Requirements to participate

The event is an online feature. Nintendo Switch Online membership and a Nintendo Account are required to take part in online play, including MAXIMUS CUP events.

Final take – a compact crossover sprint

This MAXIMUS CUP is a straightforward target for Tetris 99 regulars and Animal Crossing fans alike: 100 event points over a 4-day window for a themed reward, followed by an Animal Crossing update on January 15. If you enjoy Nintendo crossovers and limited-time goals, this is a concise, low-friction way to revisit both worlds.