During the recent Level-5 Vision 2026 event, where the Japanese company unveiled upcoming releases, a change in the platform lineup for Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, the latest installment in the veteran puzzle game series, was announced. Previously confirmed for Switch and Switch 2, the game is now shedding its Nintendo exclusivity with new versions set for PC and PlayStation 5, which will launch concurrently with the Nintendo versions.
This is a notable development, as Layton titles have historically been exclusive to Nintendo consoles. The series enjoyed its peak popularity during the Nintendo DS and 3DS eras, becoming one of the consoles’ most beloved franchises and achieving a reach far beyond most games of that time. While recent entries have appeared on mobile platforms, this new title marks the first major installment to be released outside of a Nintendo console.
The game still lacks an exact release date, though Level-5 reiterates that it is slated for a 2026 release and will be available in Spanish. However, its precise placement on the calendar remains unknown.
Decapolice and Inazuma Eleven Also See Platform Changes
Other games were also featured at the event, including the highly anticipated Decapolice, also expected in 2026. This title has also undergone platform adjustments, perhaps less prominently than Layton’s. Previously, Decapolice was expected for PC, Switch, and PlayStation 4. Now, following its repeated delays, the game will also have versions for Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 in addition to PC. However, it will no longer be released on Switch and PS4 as originally planned.
Another game that was slated for PS4 and will no longer be is Inazuma Eleven RE, the remake of the first Inazuma Eleven. This game has also added a Switch 2 version. Consequently, the launch is now scheduled for sometime in 2026, and will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and both Switch consoles.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam Now Available on PC and PlayStation 5
In a recent Level-5 Vision 2026 presentation, the Japanese developer revealed new details about upcoming titles, including a significant platform expansion for Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. The newest entry in the beloved puzzle series, initially announced for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, will now also launch on PC and PlayStation 5 simultaneously with the Nintendo versions, ending its previous platform exclusivity.
This move is a departure for the franchise, which has traditionally been tied to Nintendo hardware. The Professor Layton series reached its zenith on the Nintendo DS and 3DS, becoming a flagship title and achieving widespread appeal. While mobile versions have been released in recent years, this marks the first mainline installment to be available on non-Nintendo platforms.
The game is still without a firm release date but is confirmed for a 2026 launch and will feature Spanish language support. The exact timing within next year is yet to be announced.
Decapolice and Inazuma Eleven Also See Platform Updates
The Level-5 event also showcased updates for other anticipated titles. Decapolice, also targeting a 2026 release, has undergone platform shifts. Previously expected for PC, Switch, and PlayStation 4, the game will now receive versions for Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 in addition to PC. Consequently, the planned releases for the original Switch and PS4 have been canceled.
Similarly, Inazuma Eleven RE, a remake of the first game in the series, will no longer be released on PS4. It will, however, be available on Switch 2, alongside PC and PlayStation 5. The release for these platforms is also slated for 2026.
