Next 'Metroid Prime' Game May Appear On DS/DSi

Producer Kensuke Tanabe already stated that Retro Studios' "Metroid Prime" series may not be over, but now that their trilogy on the Wii is complete they could be focusing on a return to the Nintendo DS. Such a project would be well timed for the DS XL's arrival in North America.

"We are always planning to make new games in the 'Metroid Prime' series," Tanabe told Official Nintendo Magazine. "Depending on the timing and the situation, we cannot deny the possibility of realising it on DS or DSi."

The DS XL is scheduled for a Q1 2010 release in the U.S., and that new 4.2-inch screen would be nicely suited for a first-person "Metroid Prime" game. Nintendo will obviously want some graphically impressive titles ready to role out next year to show off the system's capabilities, and such an established in-house franchise would be a logical fit.

Tanabe didn't commit to anything in his statement, though, so the next "Prime" title could just as easily come out for the Wii. In the meantime, don't hold your breath for an answer. Retro's secret project for next year hasn't been announced yet, and if it turns out to be something other than a "Prime" game, it could be a year or two before all of this speculation gets an official response.

Would rather see the next "Metroid Prime" game come to the Wii or DS? Should Nintendo ready a "Prime" game for the DS XL? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Tags metroid, metroid prime