You've probably seen the trailers. That gritty, flickering black-and-white film grain and the bouncy "rubber hose" animation that looks like it stepped right out of a 1930s movie theater. It’s a vibe. But let’s be real—looking at Mouse: P.I. For Hire, it’s easy to wonder if it's just a Cuphead clone with guns or something deeper.
Honestly, the hype is reaching a fever pitch because we’re finally closing in on the release. After a few delays pushed it out of 2025, Fumi Games and PlaySide Studios have locked in a global launch date of March 19, 2026.
Where Can You Actually Play It?
If you’re worried about being left out because you haven’t snagged a "Pro" console yet, take a breath. The Mouse: P.I. For Hire platforms list is surprisingly inclusive. Unlike some high-end shooters that are ditching last-gen hardware, this one is casting a wide net.
You’ll be able to find it on:
- PC (via Steam) – This is where the initial buzz started.
- PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 – Yes, the PS4 is still getting some love here.
- Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One – It was featured heavily in the ID@Xbox showcases.
- Nintendo Switch – A perfect fit for the art style.
- Nintendo Switch 2 – Developers have already teased support for the successor hardware.
It’s kinda refreshing. You don't need a $2,000 rig to play a game that looks this good. The Unity-based engine seems well-optimized for the 2.5D aesthetic, which is basically 2D hand-drawn characters navigating 3D environments.
It’s More Than Just a "Mickey With a Gun" Meme
When the first clips went viral, people called it "Disney Doom." That's a fun headline, but the developers at Fumi Games are pretty insistent that this is a "satirical Metroidvania shooter" with a deep story. You play as Jack Pepper, a war hero turned private investigator.
The setting is Mouseburg—a city that's basically a rodent version of 1930s Chicago or New York, dripping with noir tropes.
Solving Cases (Not Just Shooting)
You’re a detective, so you actually have to do detective stuff. The game features a corkboard mechanic in Jack’s office. You’ll collect photos, notes, and clues during your missions (like the "Missing Magician" or "Blue Betty" cases) and literally pin them up to connect the dots.
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The Weapons are Weird
Sure, you have the standard Tommy Gun. It’s classic. But then things get "cartoonish" in the most violent way possible.
- Experimental Gear: There is a gun that is literally a brain in a jar. It fires psychic waves.
- Power-ups: Spinach makes you punch harder (a clear nod to Popeye).
- Movement: You’ve got grappling hooks, wall running, and double jumps. This isn't a slow, clunky retro shooter; it's fast.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Tech
A big misconception is that the game is just a filter over a 3D game. It’s not. Every single frame of animation for the characters and enemies is hand-drawn. This is why it took so long to develop. When you blast a mobster rat, his "death animation" has to be drawn frame-by-frame to keep that 1930s feel.
The audio is also a massive part of the experience. They’ve recorded an original big band jazz soundtrack. If you’re a fan of that crackly, horn-heavy sound from old cartoons, you’re going to love this. Plus, they included customizable audio filters in the settings if you want to make it sound even more like an old phonograph.
No Microtransactions (Seriously)
In 2026, finding a hyped-up shooter without a "battle pass" or a "skin shop" feels like finding a unicorn. Fumi Games confirmed early on that Mouse: P.I. For Hire will have zero microtransactions. You buy the game, you own the game. That’s it.
They are leaning heavily into the "boomer shooter" philosophy—single-player, story-driven, and focused on tight gameplay rather than extracting extra cash from your wallet.
Actionable Next Steps for Players
If you're planning on jumping into Mouseburg this March, here is how you should prep:
- Wishlist on Steam: Even if you play on console, the Steam page is the best place to see the latest developer "deep dive" videos.
- Check Your Storage: While not a "4K photorealistic" 100GB monster, the hand-drawn assets take up more space than you'd think. Clear about 20-30GB just to be safe.
- Controller vs. Mouse: While it’s an FPS, the developers have confirmed "full controller support." Given the platforming elements (grappling hooks), a controller might actually feel more natural for the Metroidvania sections.
- Watch the "Galaxies" Trailer: This is the most recent footage that shows the updated UI and the new "conscious gun" mechanics.
The game launches on March 19, 2026. Whether you’re on an old PS4 or waiting for the Switch 2, you’ll be able to step into Jack Pepper's shoes and start cleaning up the streets of Mouseburg.