Could gamers be seeing a return from the much-loved flying sim sooner than we expect?

With still no sign of Star Fox, the future of Kid Icarus looking to be in jeopardy and a home-console showing for Kirby not in sight, you'd be forgiven for thinking Nintendo has put many of its classic franchises on the top shelf. That may be about to change though.

French gaming site LiveWii have grappled hold of an interesting rumour which suggests fan-favourite Pilotwings will be making a long-awaited return on Wii in the first half of next year. The article goes on to hint that Miis will feature in the game, as well as Balance Board support for such activities as parachuting.

Since the plane-flying demo from E3 2006, Nintendo has kept the possibility of a new Pilotwings game close to its chest, but rest assured we'll keep an extra ear to the ground and hope things clear up soon.

For a crudely-translated version of the article, follow the link below.

Thanks to dazzybee on the forums.