I've been thinking.. New Super Mario Bros. Wii is likely to sell 20 Million copies going by the success of the original New Super Mario Bros. for DS. On the other hand, Super Mario Galaxy has sold around 8 million copies and it's sequel will most likely sell similar numbers. Let me put that in context for you:

New Super Mario Bros. Wii  >  Super Mario Galaxy AND Super Mario Galaxy 2

As we all know only too well, Nintendo like to maximise their returns - just like any competent organisation. If what I'm predicting does come about, what do you guys think is the likely hood that the flagship Mario title on Nintendo's NEXT home console will be of the 2D variety? I think it's safe to say that 2D Mario is back and here to stay, will 3D Mario suffer as a result?

The sales (and profits) of 3d mario are nothing to be scoffed at. Hard to beat that franchise. I think that maximizing profits will involve 2d and 3d.

You just reminded me why I want NSMB Wii to fail.

By that logic Nintendo will stop making Zelda and Metroid games in near future and just focus on WiiX titles.

Let's wait and see what happens first
NSMB was released on the DS which has a far greater install base than the Wii

8.14 million and climing is nothing to complain about
I'd be more than happy with 1 x 3D, 1 x 2D Super Mario game alternating each year... can't see it happening though

I wouldn't say 3-D Mario is in any danger. Mario is the greatest 2-D platformer and the greatest 3-D platformer, so I doubt either are going anywhere.

Well then my logic is correct, there is certainly more focus on Wii Series titles than Zelda or Metroid on Wii.

i hope so, 2D mario games are way more fun than 3D

That could indeed happen...

PS: Guys, read properly what puffy said (and not just the thread title). He didn't say 3D marios would stop existing.

3d Mario doomed? Hell no! But you make some interesting points. I doubt Nintendo will choose to focus on one or the other. They'll probably (and hopefully) come out with a mix of both thus giving more variety to the brand on an ongoing basis and reducing the chance of IP fatigue (if that's even possible with a franchise as successful as Mario).

I love the thought of having one 3D and one 2D console Mario game per generation!