Professor Layton and the New World of Steam is coming to PC via Steam and PlayStation 5 as well as Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, developer Level 5 has confirmed.
In a new video, the Japanese company committed to a simultaneous multiplatform release worldwide in 2026. An Xbox Series X and S version was not mentioned.
Announced in early 2023, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam has been a long time coming, and has missed various announced release windows. It seems that now, finally, the game has a firm launch window, as well as a multiplatform launch.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam brings the beloved puzzle solving franchise forward by incorporating 3D gameplay for the first time, allowing for exploration in the U.S. town of Steam Bison. Previous games in the franchise almost worked as a visual novel, with players’ movement being limited to choosing an arrow button and being shifted to a new 2D image. And while Level 5 hasn’t moved away from this mechanic completely, players will instead navigate a fully built 3D world in The New World of Steam. Players will similarly be presented with a scene and arrows to move around but now have this full 3D world to explore from a first-person perspective. Unlike previous games, players can, for example, see a shifty character well in the background and make a point to head straight there, instead of not knowing what’s around the corner at all.
According to this latest trailer, new features include full 3D cutscenes, and mouse support across all platforms except Nintendo Switch. We’re promised the most puzzles in series history, and a memo for puzzle solving.
Level 5 also announced a number of new characters set to appear in the game in addition to Professor Layton and Luke:
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam new characters:
Hershel Layton:
- Professor of Archaeology at Gressenheller University
- A leading authority on puzzles, he’s widely known across London for solving countless mysteries.
- Until a year ago, he was rarely seen without his assistant, Luke.
Luke Triton
- A boy who has stood by Professor Layton’s side through countless mysteries
- He currently lives in America due to family circumstances. His love of puzzles remains as strong as ever, and his knack for solving everyday mysteries around town has earned him the nickname ‘Great Detective Luke.’
Elinora Allinston
- The younger twin sister from the wealthy Allinston family
- Though gentle and refined, she has a deep passion for invention and is a skilled mechanic in her own right, capable of repairing all manners of machinery.
Elida Allinston
- The elder twin sisters from the wealthy Allinston family
- Wise and dependable, she carries herself with greater maturity than Elinora.
- She is studying to become a stage actress, and her talent is already well regarded throughout the town.
Eggmuffin Sonder
- He is the town’s leading inventor and has been instrumental to Steam Bison’s rapid growth.
- Fully devoted to his craft, he spends his days tinkering away on useful inventions that have earned him the town’s trust.
Bolt Allinston
- The wealthiest man in Steam Bison and an ambitious figure driving its rapid development.
- A major landowner and effectively the town’s mayor, he also serves as chairman of its governing body — the Gilded Council.
Sheriff Bobsley
- He is the town’s justice-driven sheriff, fully devoted to keeping it safe.
- Quick to act and slow to think, he often charges headfirst into trouble. Sheriff Bobsley rides a steam bike around town and likes to play up a slightly rough-around-the-edges persona.
Falcon
- He is an eagle named Falcon who takes offense at being mistaken for a vulture.
- He spends his days soaring over Steam Bison, gathering treasures.
Mystella
- A cheerful, fashion-forward girl who runs the town’s fortune-telling house.
- She keeps track of the puzzles that Layton and his companions have yet to solve.
- Never seen without her crystal ball, the true extent of her fortune-telling abilities remains a mystery.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].
