Days after Metroid Prime: Hunters was delayed until 2006, Nintendo announce that the game will be playable online.

When Nintendo's release schedule for the remainder of 2005 didn't list Metroid Prime: Hunters many people assumed that this delay was to add support for Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection - Nintendo's online service. This has now been confirmed by Nintendo. Hunters will let players battle it out locally or across the country via the online service.

In related news, a new demo of the game will be available at the Penny Arcade Expo that is taking place this weekend in Bellevue, Washington. Three new bounty hunters will also make their debut: Sylux, a skilled sharpshooter who has an intense hatred for Samus Aran; Trace, a young outcast; and Weavel, a cyborg Space Pirate assassin. For more information on the game check out our hands-on preview or head over to the official website.

Metroid Prime: Hunters will be released for the Nintendo DS in the first quarter of 2006.