Metroid Prime Hunters will now be released sometime in Q1 2006... wonder what they could be adding...?

Nintendo issued out an official statement today that confirmed Metroid Prime Hunters for the DS has seen another delay. The new release date for the FPS will now be sometime in the first quarter of 2006. No further details explaining the delay were given.

Hunters, perhaps one of the DS' original killer aps, was at first slated for release not long after the launch of the system in the US. The game was delayed however, only to show up later in the form of an impressive build at last May's E3 alongside a new tentative fall 2005 release date. At the show the developers broke the disappointing news that the game was to be LAN (local area network) only, and not slated to support Nintendo's WiFi Connection service (also set to debut in fall.) This resulted in a fair amount of dismay and criticism from eager fans.

Nintendo has not had much more to say on the game since the Expo, leading gamers to suspect that another delay was in store for the bounty hunter's DS adventure. In light of this official delay, though no specific reasons were given, many are now anticipating that the Big N heard the cries of the press and public and will be integrating WiFi Connection compatability. Then again, Nintendo may simply be trying to avoid a collision course of some of their hottest DS titles, what with online-enabled versions of Mario Kart DS and Animal Crossing set to make a splash in the same holiday period.

Though it is admittedly puzzling that Nintendo would not announce such a crucial feature if indeed Hunters will be brought online, rest assured C-E will be keeping their eyes and ears open for further news on the game. One thing is for sure... the developers now have the luxury of a significant extension in their development time. Surely the result of that will not simply be a collection of Metroid-themed touch screen minigames?