Professor Layton and the New World of Steam Preview – Switch 2 Next-Gen Puzzle Adventure
[Preview] First Look: Professor Layton and the New World of Steam – Switch 2 Edition
Level-5, known for feel-good hits like Yo-kai Watch and Inazuma Eleven, returns with a long-awaited Professor Layton puzzle adventure. After delays that tested fans’ patience, the latest installment, The New World of Steam, was showcased at Tokyo Game Show 2025, now also supporting Nintendo Switch 2 alongside the original Switch.
The demo offered a unique Mouse Control system instead of traditional Joy-Con or touch controls. Players could navigate Professor Layton using a vertical mouse, replicating stylus input smoothly for exploration and puzzle solving.
The demo covers the game’s early story: Layton arrives in the United States by airship, carrying a letter from Luke. Players explore a large steampunk city, investigate clues, and solve three puzzles: locating Luke by checking NPC outfits, spotting differences in statues, and transporting gears across a river with constraints. Completing puzzles earns Eureka points to exchange for up to four levels of hints, from minor tips to full solutions.
Mouse Control is the standout feature, providing a fresh way to interact with the game. It remains to be seen if the first Switch can fully support this via USB mouse, but the demo already impressed with fluid gameplay. The game includes Japanese and English voiceovers and subtitles, ensuring accessibility for global fans.
About Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
This visual-novel-style adventure lets players step into the shoes of Professor Layton and his young companion, Luke, traveling through various locales and solving hundreds of brain-teasing puzzles. The story unfolds in Steam Bison, USA, one year after The Unwound Future, where steam energy has advanced rapidly, leading Layton and Luke to investigate a mysterious case.
The game launches in 2026 for Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, offering new features for next-gen consoles while maintaining the beloved puzzle-adventure formula.
