Professor Layton and the New World of Steam Delayed to 2026: Level-5 Reveals New Trailer and Demo at Tokyo Game Show

Level-5 has officially announced a delay for "Professor Layton and the New World of Steam," pushing the anticipated release of the iconic puzzle-adventure series’ seventh installment to 2026.

The news comes ahead of the Tokyo Game Show (TGS), where Level-5 is presenting the first public playable demo of the game alongside a fresh, in-depth trailer showcasing its gameplay and visual overhaul. The Professor Layton series, renowned for its blend of narrative-rich mysteries and mind-bending puzzles, has been a cornerstone of Nintendo’s handheld library since its debut in 2007.

"Professor Layton and the New World of Steam" was initially scheduled for release in 2025, generating significant excitement among long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Now, Level-5 has officially confirmed the new launch window of 2026, emphasizing the studio’s commitment to delivering a polished and refined experience. Addressing the press, Level-5 explained, “While we originally planned to launch in 2025, we have decided to move the release to 2026 to ensure the game meets our highest standards.

We sincerely apologize for any disappointment this may cause and thank everyone for their continued support and patience.” This latest entry marks a milestone for the franchise as it expands onto both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

Attendees at TGS 2025 can experience a hands-on demo, witnessing for the first time how the series’ signature art style translates with higher fidelity models and smoother frame rates.

According to reports from the show floor, the new visuals adeptly capture the iconic look of the original concept art, evolving from the series’ roots on Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS while preserving the charm and sophistication that fans expect from Professor Layton. The release of the gameplay trailer at Tokyo Game Show has further stoked excitement, revealing not only enhanced graphics but also a glimpse of a new enigmatic villain—a hallmark of the series’ storytelling prowess.

While Level-5 has yet to confirm a specific date within 2026, anticipation is building for what many hope will be another masterclass in narrative-driven puzzle design. For fans eager for more, "Professor Layton and the New World of Steam" remains playable at upcoming events, and additional merchandise such as new themed jigsaw puzzles are on the way.

With the leap to Nintendo Switch and its successor, the series looks poised to captivate a new generation of players, even as the wait grows a bit longer.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Steam Level-5 Switch Professor Layton Tokyo Tokyo Game Show Professor Layton and the New World of Steam Nintendo Switch 2