It doesn't contradict 'up till now'. Up till now does not imply that it does not exist anymore.
Copying what I said in the official thread:
"I don't read that as saying that there will be no Ness in this game - he is saying that Ness has been in it in the past, and coyly not saying anything about whether or not Ness is in this one.
I mean, lets say I say "I've gotten an A on every test up till now"...before I take the test. Should you assume that I am not going to get an A on this test? I mean, assuming I *WILL* get an A is wrong... but so is assuming I *won't*."
Please, PLEASE do NOT feed the trolls.
fksumot tag: "Sheik had to become a man to be useful. Or less useful. Might depend if you're bi."
--Predictions--
1) WiiFit will outsell the pokemans.
Current Status: 2009.01.10 70k till PKMN Yellow (Passed: Emerald, Crystal, FR/LG)