Professor Layton and the New World of Steam Still Has No Release Date

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It’s already September, and the Nintendo Switch game I’m most excited about this year still hasn’t confirmed a release date. Despite the release of the Switch 2, we’ve still gotten some big drops on the original Switch this year. The biggest might be the release of Hollow Knight: Silksong this week, which has been dominating the hype cycle for years now.

The game I’m most excited about, however, is Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. Announced in a February 2023 Nintendo Direct, New World of Steam is set to resurrect the iconic puzzle series starring gaming’s most gentlemanly sleuth. Earlier this year, a 2025 release window was finally confirmed, but it’s been radio silence since then.

I’m Still Waiting On A Professor Layton Release Date

A True Gentleman Always Arrives On Time

Professor Layton looking out of an airship window in New World of Steam.

I’m perfectly capable of waiting as long as I need to for Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. A decade passed between the release of the last mainline Layton game (Azran Legacy) and the announcement of New World of Steam, so a matter of months is hardly a problem.

At this point, though, I just want to know if the game is still on track for 2025. The original Professor Layton series was always relatively small in scope, sticking to handheld systems and hand-drawn background art. New World of Steam boasts some more ambitious 3D environments, and developer Level 5 may be struggling to cross the finish line.

New World Of Steam News Might Be Coming Soon

Rumored Nintendo Direct Is The Perfect Opportunity

Luke Triton and Professor Layton in conversation in New World of Steam.

We might get news on New World of Steam very soon, with a rumored September Nintendo Direct showcase potentially being the perfect venue for an announcement. I’m expecting a holiday release window at this point, which could boost sales of the game as a Christmas gift.

The other thing I want to know is whether New World of Steam is getting a proper Switch 2 upgrade. The game doesn’t look like it’s pushing the original Switch to its limits, but I’d at least like to see the Switch 2 lock in a basic bump in resolution or framerate. New World of Steam is mounting a comeback for the Professor Layton series, and future games might be Switch 2 exclusives. It’s better to start laying that foundation early.

If you’ve never played Professor Layton and have a DS on hand, I implore you to check out the original Professor Layton and the Curious Village. If you don’t have a way to play any of the DS or 3DS games, though, New World of Steam could still be a good way to get into the series on Nintendo Switch. There’s nothing quite like Layton, and I’m more than ready to know when I can finally accompany the professor and his apprentice on another adventure.