2D Metroid - Gone Forever?

I'm a huge Metroid fan if you didn't already know, heck on some forums my username is "MetroidHunter". Lame, I know, but I was younger when I thought it up and so tradition keeps it alive, but it just goes to show how much I like the Metroid series. Of course I've played the classics, and I'm still waiting for Super Metroid to arrive on the Virtual Console. It might be the first game I finally get around to downloading instead of just thinking about downloading. However, though I hotly anticipate Metroid Prime 3 personally I can't help but wonder if there will ever be another 2D Metroid.

One of my favorite games in the series and probably my favorite GBA game (tied with Final Fantasy Tactics Advance) was Metroid Fusion. An amazing title that continued Samus' adventure from it's real 2D platforming roots. Hopefully it won't be the last. There was the rumored "Metroid Dread" that was even listed in Game Informer as an upcoming DS game, but sadly it was either cancelled by Nintendo or a mistake by GI. The first Metroid DS game, Metroid Prime: Hunters, was a nice game with some great multiplayer, but still did not satisfy my handheld hunger. I can get 3D Metroid on the GameCube or the Wii so while it was a nice deviation from the typical handheld Metroids I hope 3D isn't here to stay.

New Super Mario Bros. is a great example of how even today 2D platforming games still have a niche in the market. I shouldn't even say niche, seeing how it's one of the top selling DS games thus far. There is still a broad audience that likes flat platformers, and Nintendo shouldn't turn it's back on them with the Metroid series, or any for that matter.