Microsoft would be the last company to realistically acquire IP from at this point in time, they have too much money to care to sell arguably some of their only older beloved properties. 

much more realistic would be approaching Capcom or Konami who are letting a lot of great franchises lie dead in the ground 

Nintendo definitely should attempt to push Gamefreak to grow into a bigger studio/company for the future of Pokemon. I imagine it's already in the works but Pokemon has just been moving at a bit too much of a snails pace in terms of change over the last few years. Also where on Earth are the spinoffs like Pokemon Stadium?

First, we should take into account that the Switch is a consolidation of Nintendo's home console and handheld divisions, which means that their dev teams won't be split between supporting two platforms, and therefore the Switch will receive more software by principle.

Secondly, if Nintendo were to go this route then I think it would be smarter of them to build and cultivate new talent from the ground up as opposed to buying out or copping exclusives from established development teams. These teams would be Nintendo's protegees so-to-speak, that would learn and take cues from Nintendo's unique development style, ethos, and work ethic. Many studios don't operate like Nintendo, and if Nintendo were to buy these companies then it would simply lead to conflict down the line.

I agree with this.

I just want to see them do their best at making NST what it could've been (it being relegated to Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a big misstep), and expanding Retro in line with Howard Lincoln's original plans for it.

Well Retro Studios has been noted to be hiring as of late.

System launch not a flop: Check.
Zelda at launch: Check
New IP (ARMS): Check
Continuation of Newer IP (Splatoon 2): Check
Real Mario game: Check.
Mastery of console online functionality: ...

Hmm. Almost.

I agree.  There's no need for the console guys to buy developers.  Just fund development of exclusive titles one at a time.  

For devs, it works the same - sell games one at a time as exclusives, or timed exclusives, or whatever, or make multi-plats if you have the means to finance production on your own.  

This thread is totally a childs wishlist I think that we need to have a thread about this: Is everybody here aware of that that things must be up for sale before they can be bought by another company? Nintendo cannot send Bamco a text message saying, "Hey uuuh, so were buying the development team behind smash" ,. They cant go to CAPCOM and say, "Hey CAP! Were buying Monster Hunter, Mega Man, and Resident Evil... kthx by!!!".

The OP is being serious about how Nintendo should progress with idea that IP's may start skipping Switch as tech rises but goes about in a kids mentality. Is this suppose to be serious or who do want Nintendo to buy so we feel secure as Switch owners?

Because there isn't much else Sega can do with it. They released Bayonetta 1 on PC. They probably cant release it on other systems due to an agreement with Nintendo. They have no plans to do any other merchandising with it. So there isn't much potential for profit for Sega beyond Nintendo using it and them getting licensing fees. If they sold it, they would get cash upfront which they can use now. Bayonetta isn't much of a benefit to them.

I think we'll see Nintendo make some purchases some time this generation. Nintendo has 683 billion yen which comprises 53 percent of total assets. This is also not including another 97 billion in notes receivable and 269 billion in securities. Nintendo has an excess of cash and will likely have massive profits from the Nintendo Switch (especially with revenue from third party software),mobile, the Classic series and other licensing ventures (like Orlando Studios). This came up in an investors meeting actually. (see Q9:https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2017/171101e.pdf). Kimishima didn't give much of an answer beyond why they have a high cash balance. But I wouldn't doubt that Nintendo would consider this down the road as they need better ways to create shareholder returns. 

I think buying Platinum is a possibility. Nintendo's relation to them is similar to Monolith before they bought them. Nintendo published Baten Katos in the west when it was Namco's title. They eventually bought out Namco. Nintendo has been Platinum's most consistent publisher. Sega doesn't want anything to do with them and Microsoft burned them on Scalebound. They have relied on making licensed games and stuff with Nintendo. I figure Nintendo may buy them out for 1)Growth 2)Get a developer who can work on Nintendo franchises (things like Star Fox) 3)Sure up Bayonetta (to lock down a mature game) and 4)for name recognition. Platinum may take the buyout to give shareholder return and that they would be assured that Nintendo would let them do their thing.

As far as what I think Nintendo should do, they should consider investing into Western studios. One of Nintendo's weaknesses is their best properties do better in Japan. Splatoon, AC, and Fire Emblem are all stronger in Japan. Outside of the usual suspects, the only game that does really well in the West is Zelda. Nintendo would benefit to bring on western developers and integrate them like they have done with Retro and Rare. Or, at the very least, do something with Nintendo Software Technology.

It'd be sweet to see them get their money behind Yacht Club Games and other Western indie houses.

If they can turn these 3rd party indies into 2nd party exclusives thatd be a big hit to the competition and considering how much better indie games are doing on the switch...Nintendo would be smart to hold onto that indie lead.