I don't think the series is dead, it's too iconic for Nintendo. As one of the starchildren of the SNES-N64, it won't be never trully abandoned. However, I can see it jumping a generation. Maybe Nintendo should try again with another IP, I'm sure people would love to see an HD F-Zero (without motion controls, they had their chance, keep them optional). I'd personally love to see a reboot of Ice Climbers as a N64 collect-a-thon game.