Nitrome has announced that Mouse Work will launch for Nintendo Switch 2 on December 7, 2026. The upcoming party game is designed around the console’s Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, featuring 54 jobs across 18 different roles, a substantial single-player campaign and cooperative multiplayer for up to four players.
The release date was revealed alongside a new trailer and updated gameplay details on November 10. Mouse Work combines precision cursor movement, gyroscopic input and haptic feedback to create a collection of job-themed challenges that can be played alone or with friends.
Unlike traditional minigame collections, Mouse Work uses the Nintendo Switch 2’s mouse functionality as its primary control system. Players control cartoon mice attempting to earn Cheddar by completing increasingly varied tasks, with each profession introducing different mechanics and challenges.
The 54 jobs span 18 occupations, including Climbing Instructor, Taxi Driver, Artist, Hairdresser, Gym Teacher and IT Support. Activities involve manipulating objects, drawing, navigating obstacles and completing tasks that require precise cursor movements.
For example, the Climbing Instructor role involves positioning climbers’ hands on suitable holds, while the Artist role challenges players to complete paintings against a timer. Other activities use motion controls and cooperative interactions to introduce different ways of using the Joy-Con 2 hardware.
Nitrome says Mouse Work includes an extensive single-player campaign, with its latest description advertising more than eight to ten hours of gameplay and listing a campaign exceeding ten hours among its key features. Players can complete the experience independently rather than being required to participate in multiplayer sessions.
Cooperative play supports between two and four players, with local multiplayer and online participation through Nintendo’s GameShare functionality. The developer has designed stages to adapt dynamically depending on the number of participants.
This means multiplayer sessions introduce challenges and interactions that differ from the solo experience. Certain objects may require multiple players to move them, while other situations involve players coordinating actions or using different abilities to complete the same objective.
The game also includes collectible secrets and customization rewards. Hidden Cheddar can be discovered throughout levels, while additional puzzles appear within menus and title screens. Completing bonus challenges unlocks cosmetic items, with hundreds of customization rewards available.
Mouse Work was originally announced as a Nintendo Switch 2 project built around the new controller functionality. Its development reflects Nitrome’s approach to creating games around distinctive input mechanics, rather than adapting conventional controls to the hardware.
Nitrome is also developing Bad Ice-Cream Resort for Nintendo Switch and PC, another multiplayer-focused project featuring cooperative and competitive gameplay.
Mouse Work joins other independent games arriving on Nintendo’s newer hardware in December, including Rhythm Doctor's December release on Switch 2 and Switch, which uses a contrasting one-button control system.
The Japanese Nintendo eShop currently lists Mouse Work for 2,200 yen. Pricing and release availability for other regions have not been fully detailed in the available official storefront information.
Mouse Work is scheduled to launch digitally for Nintendo Switch 2 on December 7, 2026.
