Here's the thing a new IP would be great but as you pointed out Donkey Kong was long over do. As for launching Kid Icarus for the 3DS as the launch title, its simple Nintendo wanted to rejuvinate an old franchise and make it worth something again and by making it the 3DS launch title that is a sure fire way to sell a couple million and jumpstart the franchise.
Now yes Nintendo could have launched a new IP to launch the 3DS but Nintendo wants to reach out to their hardcore demographic the Nintendo gamers who have been playing Nintendo games since Kid Icarus. What better way to show your fans that you care then to release a classic?
In the end I'm sure Nintendo will launch a new IP soon for the 3DS but for now it makes more sense to use existing properties!
-JC7
"In God We Trust - In Games We Play " - Joel Reimer
