Things Get Strange After Dark in a pet shop after dark
Horror fans will soon have another reason to keep the lights on, as developer npckc and publisher Viridian Software have announced that a pet shop after dark is coming to consoles on November 12, 2026. The horror point-and-click adventure will launch on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S for $9.99.
The game puts players in the shoes of a new employee working the night shift at a local pet shop. The job sounds straightforward enough: water the plants, feed the animals, and make it through the night. However, there’s one important rule that players must never break: do not turn off the lights.
What begins as an ordinary shift gradually takes a much stranger turn, with the game using its point-and-click mechanics and unconventional storytelling to build an unsettling atmosphere. The original release earned recognition at BIG Festival 2023, winning the WINGS Spotlight and becoming a finalist for the festival’s Innovation award.
For its console debut, npckc has reworked the game’s computer-based interactions into an in-game virtual desktop, adapting the experience for controllers while preserving its distinctive structure. The console versions will also introduce additional content for returning players.
“Reworking those interactions for consoles also gave us an opportunity to add a little more for returning players,” said npckc. “There are new diary entries and pieces of lore to uncover, so even if you’ve visited the pet shop before, there are still a few new things waiting to be found.”
With its unusual premise, unsettling atmosphere, and fresh secrets, a pet shop after dark could be worth watching for horror fans who enjoy something a little different. Just remember to leave the lights on when your shift begins.