Tetris is a universal constant in gaming—it releases on basically every console, calculator, and smart fridge in existence. But Tetris 99 changed the formula essentially by asking: what if we took the Battle Royale craze and applied it to falling blocks? Available for free to anyone subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online, it launched as a simple incentive to get people on the service.
The Battle Royale of Puzzles
The concept is straightforward yet chaotic: 99 players play Tetris simultaneously, but there can be only one winner. As you clear lines, you send 'garbage' rows to other players, cluttering their boards and pushing them closer to the top. The strategy comes from the targeting system—you can target those attacking you, those close to death, or those with the most 'badges' (kills).
Controls are classic Tetris, flexible enough that if you hate the D-pad, you can swap to the analog stick. The hold mechanic returns, saving your life in sticky situations. It's fast, frantic, and incredibly satisfying when you manage to survive into the top 10.
The Launch Experience vs. Today
At launch, the game was surprisingly barebones. It had the Battle Royale mode and... that was it. No tutorials, no offline modes, no marathon. It felt like a tech demo for the online service. But Nintendo didn't leave it there.
This is where the 'Big Block DLC' changed everything. Nintendo introduced offline modes (CPU Battle and the classic Marathon mode) and eventually local multiplayer. They even released a physical version of the game which includes all the DLC and a year of NSO. It transformed from a fun distraction into a complete Tetris package.
The Event Loop: Maximum FOMO
The game's longevity comes from its relentless schedule of 'Maximus Cup' events. These limited-time weekends let you unlock exclusive themes based on new Nintendo releases—Fire Emblem, Xenoblade, Kirby, you name it. The skins include custom block designs, sound effects, and music remixes. They are fantastic.
However, the system has a flaw: FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). If you miss an event week, unlocking that theme later requires 'Tickets,' which take a significant amount of grinding to earn. Worse, some themes seem incredibly rare to reappear in the shop. It demands your deep attention; blink and you might miss a theme forever. It’s a weird preservation issue in an otherwise excellent live-service model.
Verdict
Tetris 99 has been supported longer than almost any other modern Nintendo live-service game. With the addition of offline modes, local play, and a nonstop barrage of events, it has justified its existence ten times over. While the theme system can be frustrating for completionists, the core gameplay remains the best multiplayer puzzle experience on the Switch.
