The Pilotwings series only stretches to two games so far, but it has such a cult following that whenever the merest mention of the game appears on the Internet, fans start to froth at the mouth. So imagine their delight when this latest speculation started to spread!

Nintendo may use various other Intellectual Properties far too often, but it has kept the Pilotwings one under wraps for a long time now. Originally appearing on the Super Nintendo back at the start of the 16-bit machine’s life, it was hailed for its great use of Mode7 graphical scaling and the relaxing nature of its flying gameplay. Then when Paradigm Entertainment was brought on board for the Nintendo 64 launch title ‘Pilotwings 64′, the entire experience was taken to a whole new level and is still thought to be one of the best games on the N64.

But what of its future? Well, according to many sources it seemed that Nintendo had hooked up with Factor 5 (of Rogue Squadron fame and currently working exclusively on PlayStation 3) to bring a GameCube edition of Pilotwings to the fore. However, as it became clear that system was dying in the face of strong competition from the Xbox and the rampant PlayStation 2, it seems the project was shelved. When the Wii was announced, however, most retailers popped Pilotwings back on their release lists, but quickly removed it as it became apparent nothing was forthcoming. But Gamestop has re-added Pilotwings for Wii to its release lists, with a tentative December 2007 launch period mentioned.

Could we finally see the game get its long-deserved third version? No doubt all will be revealed at next month’s E3 event…