Professor Layton and the New World of Steam: How Industry Influence Sparked Level-5’s Switch Comeback

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam: How Industry Influence Sparked Level-5’s Switch Comeback Professor Layton and the New World of Steam was one of 2023’s most electrifying announcements, marking the return of Level-5’s world-famous puzzle-solving professor after a long absence.

The franchise, renowned for its cerebral gameplay and captivating storylines, is set to make its grand return on the Nintendo Switch in 2025.

But what led to this revival, especially when Level-5 seemed content to let the series rest? The answer, according to Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino, lies in the passionate advocacy from prominent voices within the gaming industry—including substantial encouragement from a major player commonly referenced as "Company N." This label, widely believed to refer to Nintendo, underscores the critical role the platform holder played in reigniting development for the beloved series. Speaking during a Tokyo Game Show discussion with Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii, Hino revealed that Level-5 initially viewed the Layton saga as having reached a "beautiful" conclusion.

The studio did not foresee a need for a sequel after the critically acclaimed earlier entries, which Nintendo published for both the Nintendo DS and 3DS outside Japan.

However, pressure and support from key industry figures—particularly from the enigmatic "Company N"—prompted reconsideration, ultimately setting the wheels in motion for a new mainline title. Hino explained, in a statement translated by Automaton, that influential individuals in the industry strongly urged Level-5 to create another Layton game.

Hino specifically credited a concerted push from "Company N" as the catalyst for revisiting the franchise.

He expressed that these appeals led him to believe that fans deserved to enjoy Professor Layton at a level matching the standards of the latest Nintendo hardware. The Nintendo Switch has already seen a Layton-related entry: Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy – Deluxe Edition, which launched in 2019.

Despite this, critical and fan consensus often places it below the core series.

With Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, Hino aims to bring the franchise back to its roots and fully utilize the capabilities of the Switch. Set for a 2025 release, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam will reunite the iconic duo of Layton and Luke, picking up after the events of Professor Layton and the Lost Future.

Early previews at Tokyo Game Show 2024 have praised the title as a “return to form,” heightening anticipation among fans and industry observers alike.

Level-5’s decision to revive the series, bolstered by Nintendo’s enduring support, demonstrates the continuing vitality of classic franchises on modern platforms.

As the release date approaches, Professor Layton looks poised to puzzle a new generation of Switch players, reaffirming both Level-5 and Nintendo’s commitment to delivering top-tier narrative-driven experiences.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Steam Level-5 Switch Professor Layton Professor Layton and the New World of Steam Akihiro Hino Yuji Horii Dragon Quest Automaton Tokyo Game Show