Metroid 3 to launch with Wii

Nintendo has revealed that the next instalment in the Metroid series will definitely be a Wii launch title, and that you'll be able to play the game using the motion-sensing remote controller.

Developer Retro Studios is still keeping quiet on the gameplay specifics, but have managed to pick up a few snippets of info - such as the fact that the X-Ray visor is making a welcome return, and it's being upgraded slightly to include a new wall-piercing beam that'll let you seek out cowardly enemies and frazzle them before they even know you're there. It's also going to play a bigger role in puzzle solving, but there's no word as to how exactly this will work.

Travel between the huge areas on multiple worlds will be undertaken in Samus' new gunship, and there's a distinct possibility of remotely controlling the ship as a puzzle solving tool - bringing in the heavy weapons to clear obstacles and open up new paths in certain areas.

Nintendo is making an effort to push the boundaries visually, with a smooth framerate, new bloom effects and a ramp up of the particle effects for those pretty explosions we all love so much.

Several new visors will be making an appearance, and there's also talk of utilising the 24-hour connect service to push upgrades and new weapons and content for the game - although that's unconfirmed at this stage.