Despite launching back in February of 2019 and watching similar titles like Super Mario Bros. 35 and Pac-Man 99 come and go, Tetris 99 is astonishingly still receiving regular support with new events that bring with them new themes based on the latest games. I swear, everytime support seems to be dying down, they suddenly hit us with another flurry of events that prove the game is still alive and well.
Granted, the games that get themes versus those that don't are a bit strange. Major blockbusters like Mario Kart World, Tears of the Kingdom, and Metroid Prime 4 were shafted, while they made sure to do themes for Endless Ocean: Luminous, Kirby's Dream Buffet, and the Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass (but not base Splatoon 3 for some reason). But despite that weirdness, a total of 45 of these special themes have been introduced over the years, the most recent of which being based on last month's Star Fox reboot/remake.
Now, back when Tetris 99 was still new and fresh, I was on top of every one of these events. I also had more free time back then, and was better at utilizing the free time I had, so it makes sense. But as the years have gone on, I've missed out on numerous themes due to either not caring, meaning to participate but forgetting, or just simply being lazy. Unfortunately, there has been no way to obtain these missed themes in-game if you miss the opportunity to unlock them during their respective events, but thanks to a new in-game event going on right now, I can finally put those years of laziness and forgetfulness behind me.
A good number of themes from the past few years are currently available in the in-game shop, and it doesn't take much to unlock them, as they are being offered at only two tickets a piece! If you've got a stash of tickets saved up, now's the perfect time to swoop in and stock up!
The trailer event showcases the following themes that are on offer, in order of appearance:
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0.0 Update (Special Theme 41)
- Kirby Air Riders (Special Theme 40)
- Donkey Kong Bananza (Special Theme 39)
- Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition (Special Theme 38)
- Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Special Theme 37)
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (Special Theme 36)
- Tetris NES (Special Theme 35)
- Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass: Side Order (Special Theme 34)
- F-Zero 99 (Special Theme 33)
- Endless Ocean Luminous (Special Theme 32)
- Princess Peach Showtime! (Special Theme 31)
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Special Theme 30)
- Super Mario RPG (Special Theme 28)
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Special Theme 27)
- Pikmin 4 (Special Theme 26)
- Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe (Special Theme 25)
- Fire Emblem Engage (Special Theme 24)
- Kirby's Dream Buffet (Special Theme 23)
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Special Theme 22)
- Mario Party Superstars (Special Theme 20)
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD (Special Theme 16)
- Pokemon Legends Arceus (Special Theme 21)
It's quite the list, but far from every special theme ever added to the game.
After doing a tiny bit of digging online, I can't confirm whether or not these are the only themes included in this event, as the only themes I don't personally have (aside from a couple I'll touch on momentarily) are on the list. From what I've seen, it does seem like this event encompasses the first 41 special themes, which would include every special theme up through the New Horizons 3.0.0 theme, but I haven't seen anything that fully confirms that.
What I can confirm is that some recent themes are not on offer, specifically Special Themes 43 and 44, which were based off of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and Yoshi and the Mysterious Book respectively. I missed out on those themes, and they are not available in the shop.
Based on the number 41 I've seen thrown around, I imagine that also means that Special Theme 42 and 45, based on Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 and Star Fox, are also unavailable, which is unfortunate.
Regardless, while I wish these themes would be made available permanently in the shop, the event does run until Sunday, August 16th at 11:59pm PT, so there's more than enough time to stock up on any themes you've missed throughout the years. I know I'll be doing so.
Hopefully Tetris 99 continues to receive support for the foreseeable future. With events still being regularly pumped out, I don't see it going anywhere, anytime soon!
