MP3 later, Mother [3] may be homebound, Japan-only VC games on U.S. VC?

In an interview with MTV News, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime was asked about Metroid Prime 3 which will be delayed until later this year. That’s pretty bad considering a lot of fans were eager to get their hands on Samus’ latest adventure and experience it on the Wii; but considering how good Nintendo is with delays (Twilight Princess anyone?), this only furthers the belief that Metroid Prime 3 is an experience to behold! Also, Reggie was also asked about the probability of Mother 3 coming to the U.S. to which he responded

""It certainly is a franchise near and dear to his [Nintendo President Satoru Iwata] heart, and it’s something I’m trying to get smart on to understand whether or not there is an opportunity here. But certainly I’ve seen the success in Japan. That hasn’t gone unnoticed. And it’s certainly something we’re looking at."

Considering how big the Earthbound fanbase is (big enough for Earthbound fans to warrant a Mother 3 fan translation should the GBA game not make it Stateside), Reggie should have no problems considering whether or not the game will see any success here in the States, right? After all, Earthbound on the SNES is one of the most sought for items on eBay. Check for yourself and be wowed by its high prices!

Finally, Game|Life blogger Chris Kohler spoke with Reggie on the phone yesterday on the state of the Virtual Console to which Reggie responded

"We are aware that there are some very successful Japanese franchises that have a small following in the US, and that they could never be reached by putting these products out at retail. We’re open to games released in Japan if we can get them translated properly."

What?! Is that true?! Will be finally be able to have Fire Emblem Thracia 776, Fire Emblem: Seison no Keifu, Fire Emblem: Monsho no Nazo, Bahamut Lagoon, Seiken Densetsu 3, Terranigma, Treasure Hunter G, LiveALive, etc…in our hands?! Well perhaps mentioning the last five games is a bit out of the question since those games are Squaresoft and Enix games; but considering how Japan currently has the better pick of the litter when it comes to VC games, I see no reason in why the U.S. can’t get some of the love. Well, maybe the language barrier is the reason why.

Thoughts?