I remember finishing Sly 2: Band of Thieves on a school night, telling myself just one more mission, and ending up three hours past bedtime. That raccoon and his crew had me completely hooked. So when the chatter around a possible Sly Cooper return started picking up real momentum ahead of PlayStation’s State of Play, I paid close attention. Not just as a journalist, but as someone who genuinely wants this franchise back.
What I found is not just fan wishful thinking. There are actual, concrete signals worth tracking. Some are stronger than others, but when you line them up together, the picture becomes hard to dismiss.
Why Sly Cooper Still Matters in 2025
PlayStation’s library today is dominated by massive, high-budget productions. God of War Ragnarok, Spider-Man 2, Horizon Forbidden West — all excellent games, all enormous in scope and cost. But something is missing from that lineup. There is no light, breezy, character-driven platformer with a distinct visual identity and a sense of humor. That gap is exactly where Sly Cooper used to live.
The franchise ran from 2002 to 2013. Four games total, with Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time being the last entry, developed by Sanzaru Games rather than the original Sucker Punch team. The series never broke sales records, but it built a loyal and vocal community that has never gone quiet. Ask any PlayStation fan who grew up in the early 2000s and they will name Sly Cooper, Jak and Daxter, or Ratchet and Clank as a defining part of their childhood. Ratchet came back. Jak has not. Sly has not. But the pressure for one or both to return has been growing louder each year.
The other franchise that always comes up in these conversations is Infamous. Fans want at least a remaster of the first two games. That conversation has run parallel to the Sly Cooper one for years, and with Sony reportedly reconsidering several legacy IPs, both franchises sit at the top of the wish list.
The Team ASOBI Post That Started the Latest Wave
On a Tuesday, just days before PlayStation’s State of Play event, Team ASOBI published a social media post that read: “If you can’t find Sly, look to the nearest safe.”
On the surface that reads like a cute nod to Astro Bot, which is loaded with PlayStation references and cameos. Team ASOBI has built their identity around celebrating PlayStation history, so one mention of Sly Cooper should not be unusual.
Except the timing was unusual.
Here is what caught the community’s attention. Team ASOBI typically posts this type of PlayStation throwback content on Wednesdays. This post went up on a Tuesday, one day earlier than their standard schedule, and it landed right before a major PlayStation showcase. That shift, small as it seems, is not something their audience missed.
The numbers backed up the suspicion. The post collected nearly 192,000 views and around 2,600 likes within just a few hours. To put that in context, their other recent posts pulled in roughly 17,000, 24,000, 21,000, and 39,000 views respectively. This single Tuesday post outperformed all of those by a significant margin.
There are two ways to read this. Either the community reacted so strongly because they are starved for Sly Cooper content and the timing was pure coincidence, or Team ASOBI knew exactly what they were doing. Given that this studio tends to be deliberate about how they reference PlayStation history, many people lean toward the second reading. Posting about Okami weeks before State of Play is one thing. Posting about Sly Cooper the day before a showcase is another.
That said, Team ASOBI has not confirmed anything. And it is entirely possible this was a fan-service moment with no announcement attached. The honest answer is that nobody outside Sony knows for certain.
Sanzaru Games, Meta, and the Studio That Rose From the Ashes
This is where the story gets genuinely interesting, and where I started taking the revival speculation more seriously.
Sanzaru Games developed Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time back in 2013. After that, the studio pivoted hard into VR development and entered a close working relationship with Meta. They produced Asgard’s Wrath, a well-regarded VR RPG, and later Asgard’s Wrath 2, which received strong reviews in the VR space. The studio built real technical credibility during that period.
Then Meta shut them down. In January 2025, Sanzaru Games was closed as part of Meta’s broader cost-cutting moves across its Reality Labs division.
That closure, on its own, would be a footnote in the gaming industry. Studios close regularly. What happened next is what grabbed attention.
Former Sanzaru staff members founded a new company called Sneaky Devil Studios.
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That name is not random. In Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves, “Sneaky Devil” is a phrase directly tied to the game’s ending. It is not a generic gaming term. It is specific enough to Sly Cooper lore that choosing it as a studio name carries an unmistakable signal, whether intentional or not.
The Sly Cooper community picked up on this connection quickly, and a detailed post breaking down all the related events spread through fan forums and social channels. The new studio brings direct franchise experience along with years of work on titles including Sonic the Hedgehog, Spyro, and Asgard’s Wrath. These are not amateurs. These are developers who know how to build polished, character-driven games.
The theory gaining traction is that Sony could partner with or commission Sneaky Devil Studios to develop a new Sly Cooper title. Sony owns the IP. The new studio holds the institutional knowledge. The timing, at least on paper, lines up.
There is a legitimate counterpoint here, though. Sanzaru closed in January 2025. Sneaky Devil is a brand new company. Building a studio from scratch, hiring staff, setting up pipelines, securing funding, and beginning actual game development takes real time. Even if Sony greenlit a Sly Cooper project the same month Sneaky Devil formed, a full game announcement at a mid-2025 showcase would be extremely early by any reasonable standard.
That timeline concern is worth keeping in mind. A teaser is not impossible. A full game reveal would be aggressive. The industry has surprised us before, but realistic expectations matter.
Sony’s Reported Interest in Reviving Legacy Franchises
This is the third piece of the puzzle, and it adds real weight to everything else.
Multiple sources and community investigations have pointed to Sony actively evaluating a revival of dormant PlayStation franchises. The names circulating in those reports include Resistance, Ape Escape, MotorStorm, The Legend of Dragoon, Infamous, and Sly Cooper.
That is a significant list. It covers a wide range of genres and eras in PlayStation history. The fact that Sly Cooper appears on it alongside Infamous, two franchises that fans have been requesting for years, suggests Sony is at least having the internal conversation.
None of this is confirmed. Sony has not issued any statement about legacy IP plans. But leaks and reports about Sony’s internal strategy have a track record of partial accuracy. The company has been under real pressure from fans and critics to diversify its first-party lineup, and a calculated revival of a beloved franchise checks several boxes at once: nostalgia, goodwill, and a product that does not require a $300 million development budget.
This is where the Nintendo comparison becomes relevant. Nintendo does not make every game a massive open-world blockbuster. They maintain a wide range of experiences, from Mario Kart to Metroid Prime to Kirby. Each serves a different audience. Sony’s current lineup, for all its quality, lacks that range. Sly Cooper would not compete with God of War or Spider-Man. It would exist alongside them, offering something different.
What a Real Sly Cooper Revival Would Need to Get Right
Assuming this happens, what should it look like? This matters because franchise revivals can go wrong even when the IP is beloved. Here are the things a new Sly Cooper title genuinely needs.
Keep the Cell-Shaded Visual Identity
The comic book art style is core to what Sly Cooper is. Going photorealistic would be a mistake. The world looks like a living animated film, and that distinction sets it apart visually from nearly every other PlayStation title. A next-generation version of that art style, sharper and more detailed, but still rooted in cel shading, would be the right call.
Bring Back the Full Gang
Sly, Bentley, and Murray are a unit. The dynamic between the strategist, the muscle, and the thief is what gives the series its personality. Any new game that sidelines two of them in favor of Sly solo would lose a key part of the appeal.
Respect What Thieves in Time Did Right
Fan opinion on Sly 4 is divided, but the game did several things well. The playable ancestors mechanic was creative, and the writing maintained the series’ tone reasonably well. A new team should study what worked and what did not rather than pretending that entry never existed.
Modernize the Stealth Mechanics
The original trilogy had relatively simple stealth systems by today’s standards. A new game could expand on that without losing the approachable, arcade-style feel. More complex guard AI, environmental puzzle stealth, and heist planning mechanics could all add depth while staying true to the franchise’s spirit.
Do Not Make It Too Long
Sly Cooper games were always tightly paced. Twelve to fifteen hours is the right target. Padding the game with open-world content or endless side activities would change what makes it work. Not every game needs to be 60 hours.
Full Controller Button Layout Guide for PC and Xbox
If you are picking up the original Sly Cooper games through emulation on PC or exploring earlier entries, here is a complete control reference to get you playing without confusion.
PC Controls (via DualShock/DualSense or Xbox Controller on RPCS3 Emulator)
| Action | DualShock / DualSense | Xbox Controller | Keyboard Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move / Walk | Left Stick | Left Stick | W / A / S / D |
| Camera Control | Right Stick | Right Stick | Arrow Keys |
| Jump | X | A | Spacebar |
| Attack / Cane Strike | Square | X | J |
| Thief Grab / Interact | Circle | B | K |
| Binocucom / Scope | Triangle | Y | L |
| Gadget / Ability Use | R1 | RB | E |
| Aim Gadget | L1 | LB | Q |
| Sprint / Run | L3 (Press Left Stick) | L3 (Press Left Stick) | Shift |
| Pickpocket / Steal | R2 (near enemy) | RT (near enemy) | F |
| Open Gadget Wheel | Hold R1 | Hold RB | Hold E |
| Pause / Menu | Start / Options | Menu / Start | Esc |
| Map / Mission Select | Select / Touchpad | View / Back | Tab |
| Slow Motion (Thievius Move) | L2 + R2 (Sly 2 onwards) | LT + RT | G |
| Bentley Gadget Fire | R1 (as Bentley) | RB | E |
| Murray Ground Slam | Square (hold, as Murray) | X (hold) | J (hold) |
| Murray Fists of Flame | L1 + Square | LB + X | Q + J |
| Lock-On Camera | R3 (Press Right Stick) | R3 | Middle Mouse |
Xbox Controller Button Layout (Standalone or Xbox Game Pass Version)
If a new Sly Cooper title releases on PC through PlayStation PC ports, here is the expected Xbox controller layout based on how Sony’s PC ports typically map controls:
| Action | Xbox Button | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jump | A | Double tap for double jump in later entries |
| Primary Attack | X | Cane combo builds with rapid presses |
| Interact / Grab Ledge | B | Context-sensitive near edges and objects |
| Binocucom / Inspect | Y | Hold to zoom in, right stick to pan |
| Use Gadget / Ability | RB | Tap for quick use, hold to open wheel |
| Aim / Target Lock | LB | Locks onto nearest enemy or object |
| Sprint | Left Stick Click | Toggle or hold depending on settings |
| Pickpocket | RT (near guard) | Must be directly behind enemy |
| Dive / Roll | B (while running) | Directional roll when moving at full speed |
| Stealth Slide | B + Left Stick forward | Useful for entering vents and low gaps |
| Murray Thunder Flop | A then X in air | Jump then press attack at apex |
| Bentley Hacking Mode | Y (as Bentley near terminal) | Initiates mini-game sequence |
| Map | View Button | Shows current world layout and objectives |
| Pause | Menu Button | Access settings, save, or quit |
Tips for PC Players Using Keyboard and Mouse
The Sly Cooper games were built around a controller, and keyboard and mouse is genuinely less comfortable for these titles. If you are on PC and have any controller available, use it. That said, if keyboard is your only option, rebinding the camera to mouse look in RPCS3 settings makes the experience significantly more manageable. Setting sprint to a toggle rather than hold also reduces finger strain over long sessions.
For Sly 2 and 3 in particular, where you switch between characters frequently, binding the character swap to easy-access keys like Z and X saves a lot of menu time during missions that require quick swaps.
The Bigger Picture: PlayStation Needs Variety
Here is something I feel strongly about after covering PlayStation for years. The company has narrowed its identity in a way that works commercially but feels creatively constrained. Every major first-party title is a cinematic, narrative-heavy, technically spectacular production. That formula produces great individual games. But it also means PlayStation feels like it has only one gear.
Sly Cooper, Ape Escape, MotorStorm, and Resistance all occupy different spaces. They are not trying to be the most impressive technical achievement of the generation. They offer something else. Personality, humor, shorter runtimes, different mechanics. The PlayStation 2 era had all of that variety alongside its blockbusters. The PS5 era does not.
This is not just nostalgia talking. It is a strategic observation. Nintendo’s Switch success was not built exclusively on Zelda and Mario Odyssey. Kirby, Pokemon, Splatoon, Luigi’s Mansion, and dozens of other titles gave the platform range. Players with different tastes all found something. PlayStation used to do this. It can again.
Sly Cooper at a budget-friendly price point, developed by a smaller team, would reach a completely different audience than God of War does. Parents looking for something appropriate for younger kids. Adults who want something that does not demand 60 hours of their time. Players who prefer personality over photorealism. That is a real market, and it is currently underserved on PlayStation.
What to Realistically Expect at State of Play
Being honest here: a full Sly Cooper game reveal is unlikely given the timeline. If Sneaky Devil Studios is the developer, they are months old at most. A polished reveal trailer takes at least a year of production to prepare, and that assumes the game was already in early development before the studio even officially formed.
What is more realistic, if anything is coming, is a brief teaser. Fifteen to thirty seconds of the iconic silhouette, the cane, maybe a title card. Enough to confirm the game exists and generate a reaction. That kind of announcement does not require a finished product. Sony has done this before with projects years away from release.
The other possibility is that Team ASOBI’s post was exactly what it appeared to be: a fun community engagement moment with no event attached. The Sly Cooper community’s passionate reaction would then be a demonstration of exactly why Sony should bring the franchise back, rather than evidence that they already have.
Both outcomes are plausible. The community is right to be cautiously optimistic. They are wrong if they walk into State of Play expecting a guaranteed announcement.
A Brief History of the Sly Cooper Series for New Players
If you did not grow up with these games, here is the context you need.
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus (2002, PS2) introduced Sly, Bentley, and Murray as they worked to recover the Thievius Raccoonus, a book of master thief techniques stolen from Sly’s family. The game established the cel-shaded look, the stealth platforming mechanics, and the heist structure that the series would build on. Short, polished, and endlessly replayable.
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Sly 2: Band of Thieves (2004, PS2) is widely considered the best entry. It expanded the hub worlds, introduced Bentley and Murray as playable characters, and deepened the narrative. The gang pursues the Klaww Gang across multiple locations to stop them from reassembling Clockwerk, the mechanical villain from the first game. The writing is sharper, the missions more varied, and the pacing near-perfect.
Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves (2005, PS2) expanded the crew further, bringing in multiple new members for a large heist at the Cooper Vault. The tone shifts slightly toward ensemble comedy, and the game introduced limited stereoscopic 3D support years before it became common. The ending is memorable and sets up threads that Sly 4 would eventually revisit.
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time (2013, PS3/Vita) was developed by Sanzaru after Sucker Punch moved on to Infamous. The game used time travel to explore Sly’s ancestors, each with unique abilities. Reception was positive but not unanimous. Some fans felt it lacked the tightness of the originals. The ending was a clear setup for a fifth game that never came.
All four games are available through PS Plus or on PS3 via the HD Collection. If a revival does happen, playing through at least Sly 2 beforehand is worth the time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sly Cooper Revival
Is Sly Cooper officially confirmed for a comeback?
No. As of now, Sony has not confirmed any new Sly Cooper game. Everything discussed here is based on community research, social media signals, and unverified reports. Until Sony makes an official announcement, nothing is certain.
Who would develop a new Sly Cooper game?
Sucker Punch, the original developer, is focused on the Ghost of Tsushima franchise. Sanzaru Games, who made Sly 4, has been shut down by Meta. The most discussed candidate is Sneaky Devil Studios, founded by former Sanzaru employees, though they have not confirmed any involvement with the IP.
What is Sneaky Devil Studios and why does the name matter?
Sneaky Devil Studios is a newly formed game development company created by former Sanzaru Games staff after Meta closed that studio. The name is notable because “Sneaky Devil” is a phrase connected to the ending of Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves, making it a specific and deliberate reference to Sly Cooper lore rather than a coincidental choice.
What did Team ASOBI post about Sly Cooper?
Team ASOBI, the studio behind Astro Bot, posted “If you can’t find Sly, look to the nearest safe” on their social media the day before PlayStation State of Play. The post received dramatically more engagement than their typical content, and its unusual timing drew significant attention from the community.
Could Sly Cooper appear at PlayStation State of Play?
It is possible but not confirmed. A brief teaser announcement is more realistic than a full reveal, given that any new studio working on the project would be very early in development. However, Sony has announced games with early teasers before, so the possibility cannot be completely ruled out.
Which Sly Cooper game should I play first?
Start with the original Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus to understand the characters and setup, then move to Sly 2: Band of Thieves, which most fans consider the best in the series. All four games are available through the Sly Cooper HD Collection on PS3 and through PlayStation Now on select platforms.
Will a new Sly Cooper game come to PC?
Unknown at this stage, but Sony has been porting more PlayStation exclusives to PC in recent years. If a new Sly Cooper title is developed, a PC release sometime after the console launch would fit the current pattern Sony has established with titles like God of War, Horizon, and Spider-Man.
Is Sly Cooper related to Infamous or other dormant PlayStation franchises?
They are separate franchises with no direct story connection, but both are frequently mentioned together in discussions about neglected Sony IP. Sony reportedly has both on a list of legacy franchises under consideration for revival, which is why they tend to come up in the same conversations.
What consoles did the original Sly Cooper games release on?
The first three games released on PlayStation 2. Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time released on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita in 2013. An HD Collection of the first three games was also released on PS3. No mainline Sly Cooper game has appeared on PS4 or PS5.
How long are the Sly Cooper games to complete?
Each game runs roughly eight to twelve hours for the main story, with completionist runs taking closer to fifteen to twenty hours. They are intentionally shorter than modern open-world games, which is part of their appeal for players who want a focused experience.
External Resources Worth Reading
- IGN’s Sly Cooper Franchise Retrospective
- GamesRadar on Dormant PlayStation Franchises
- Push Square: What Happened to Sly Cooper
- RPCS3 Emulator for Playing PS3 Sly Cooper Games on PC
- Metacritic Page for Sly 2: Band of Thieves
Everything currently points in the same direction without confirming anything. The timing of Team ASOBI’s post, the formation of Sneaky Devil Studios, the names on Sony’s reported revival list, and the sheer volume of community attention all stack up into something that feels like more than random noise. Whether State of Play delivers or not, the conversation around Sly Cooper is not going away. And honestly, after more than a decade of waiting, that raccoon has earned a proper comeback.
