By using a combination of atomic force and confocal microscopy, we explore the effect of molecular weight and aging on the mechanical properties of polyelectrolyte multilayer microcapsules. Within the variability of experimental data, the force vs relative deformation curves and images from confocal scanning of the deformed capsules were found to be the same for all molecular weights used. The freshly prepared polyelectrolyte microcapsules were found to be stiffer than the aged ones. This time softening or aging was shown to be due to faster drainage of the inner solution. Such a rapid drainage is probably caused by an enhanced fragility (or a decrease in the rupture strength) of the multilayer and is observed despite a detected reduction of nanopore size and number. These results are consistent with the concept of a rubbery (elastomeric) state of the multilayer.