Last updated: July 2026
Platforms & Release
Platform guide for The Mermaid Mask: Steam AppID 1696770, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, $19.99 pricing, demo, save-anytime, and Steam Deck support.
The Mermaid Mask launched July 16, 2026 across PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 with a unified $19.99 USD price point. SFB Games self-published the title on Steam (AppID 1696770) and console storefronts, continuing the Detective Grimoire lineage that began on Newgrounds in 2007 and evolved through Tangle Tower. This guide consolidates platform-specific features—save-anytime support, achievement counts, demo availability, and input parity—so you can choose the best way to investigate the Mortuga Submarine murder without cross-buy confusion.
Supported Platforms
- Steam (Windows/macOS): Full 3D inspect, 21 achievements, save anytime, Steam Deck playable.
- PlayStation 5: Trophy parity expected with Steam list; DualSense cursor modes per PS5 controls.
- Nintendo Switch & Switch 2: Handheld play supported; Switch 2 mouse mode recommended for card lens puzzle precision—see Switch controls.
- Steam Deck: Verified for portable play; stereoscope puzzles benefit from trackpad or external mouse.
Demo and Early Access History
Official Release Date Trailer — SFB Games
Steam Next Fest hosted an updated demo covering the first chapter—formerly marketed under early title The Mermaid's Tongue—allowing players to sample Stonetop Inn and initial Mortuga rooms before release. Demo progress does not transfer to full saves; treat it as a control tutorial. Wishlist and purchase links remain on the official Steam store page with subtitle support and controller glyphs per platform.
Save System and Achievements
Steam lists save-anytime functionality via pause menu slots—critical before Illusion Theatre finale point-of-no-return warnings. Twenty-one achievements cover story beats, puzzle mastery, clue completion (~50 inspectables), and optional Hintless challenge. None permanently lock out saves, though post-chapter revisit rules still encourage cleaning Evidence Checklist before accusation sequences. PlayStation trophy names may differ slightly; verify eShop or PSN after firmware day-one patches.
Regional and Accessibility Notes
Voice acting is English-only at launch with localized subtitles on console SKUs per storefront metadata. Color-blind assist for lens outlines and hint frequency sliders appear in controls settings—platform menus mirror in-game options. No cross-save between Steam and Nintendo accounts; buy where you intend to play the ~12 hour campaign. For control binding specifics, open PC & Mac or console subpages after purchase.