The New Professor Layton Game Almost Didn’t Happen

The New Professor Layton Game Almost Didn't Happen

Key Takeaways

  • Nintendo pushed for the release of Professor Layton and The New World of Steam on the Switch.
  • Fans eagerly await the release date while rumors and speculations surround the game.
  • Level 5 may bring back more Layton games to the Switch, potentially including collections from DS and 3DS entries.

As an ardent fan of the Professor Layton series who has journeyed through the intricate puzzles and captivating narratives since the dawn of time (or at least 2007), I can’t help but feel a sense of childlike excitement at the prospect of Professor Layton and The New World of Steam gracing our Switch consoles. It’s been an eight-year hiatus, which in Layton years is approximately equivalent to waiting for the return of a long-lost friend.


Despite not initially being part of the plans, Nintendo played a significant role in bringing Professor Layton and The New World of Steam to light on their Switch platform. This exciting announcement for the puzzle game franchise has been well-received since its unveiling in 2023, with only one other entry – Layton’s Mystery Journey in 2019 (a re-release of the 2017 title originally released on the 3DS) – having graced the system prior to this.

Anticipation builds among fans for the formal unveiling of the launch date for “Professor Layton and The New World of Steam”. Meanwhile, numerous theories swirl around this enigmatic game, as the eight-year hiatus of the series has sparked lively discussions about its delayed comeback. However, a recent conversation with Level 5’s CEO sheds light on the reason behind this long wait.

In a conversation at the Tokyo Game Show, Dragon Quest’s Yuji Horii chatted with Level 5 CEO Akihiro Hino. Hino revealed that initially, his team was satisfied to let the Layton series rest following its conclusion years ago. However, they were urged to revive it due to requests from prominent figures in the industry, one of whom Hino referred to as Company N. Many fans speculate that this could be Nintendo, as they published all Professor Layton games on DS and 3DS platforms outside Japan.

What Could This Mean For Future Professor Layton Games

Although Nintendo hasn’t publicly confirmed their involvement, it’s clear that pressure from major industry players encouraged Level 5 to proceed with “Professor Layton and The New World of Steam”. Given Nintendo Switch’s limited exposure to the franchise through “Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy”, this new game could serve as a fresh introduction for modern gamers. Curiously, some fans are speculating if Katrielle Layton might appear in “Professor Layton and The New World of Steam”.

Furthermore, given the significant buzz surrounding “Professor Layton and The New World of Steam“, Nintendo and Level-5 have a substantial chance to port the other “Professor Layton” games onto the Switch. Many enthusiasts would rejoice if these companies were to compile collections that encompass both the DS and 3DS versions. Similar to the latest release of the “Castlevania Dominus Collection“, the Switch has demonstrated its capability to run games from the DS era, though some modifications may be necessary due to technological differences. Here’s hoping Level-5 continues their work on the “Professor Layton” series and releases additional titles soon.

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2024-10-03 05:04