Two years ago, Level 5 confirmed its return with the reveal of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, followed by a “Level 5 Vision” event where it revealed multiple other upcoming titles. Now, despite the two-year wait for the game’s projected 2025 release date, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam has been delayed to 2026.
In 2023, after some concern over the developer’s future, Level 5 announced a huge new slate of games starting with Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, which was projected for a then far-off 2025 release window. Since then, to say Level 5 has had struggles would be an understatement, with numerous of its titles facing years-long delays, such as new Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road, which has been delayed at least six times since its initial reveal in 2016. It is worth mentioning, however, that despite all of its delays, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time has gone on to become both a critical and commercial success for the studio, so it’s not all doom and gloom.
Now, Level 5 has confirmed the delay of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam with a message on the game’s website following the release of its latest trailer at Tokyo Game Show 2025. “LEVEL5 Inc. would like to begin by offering its sincere apologies to all fans who have been looking forward to the release of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam.” concluding “We deeply regret any inconvenience this delay may cause and greatly appreciate your understanding and continued support.”
The trailer itself does not yet feature English subtitles; however, it appears to focus on the new location of the game, a fictional American town named Steam Bison, and picks up from the ending of the final original trilogy entry, Professor Layton and the Unwound Future (or Lost Future, depending on your part of the world).
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam will release on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.
Will you be playing Professor Layton and the New World of Steam? What do you make of Level 5’s comeback so far? Let us know in the comments below.
