What are Nintendo's Big 3 "core" franchises?

[c0rd]

BoneArk said:

I personally love Zelda more than Mario, Smash Bros. series third and Metroid Prime series fourth.

I think most hardcore gamers would put Mario #1, Zelda a close second and the Metriod Prime series a distant 3rd.

I don't know what would qualify as "hardcore gamers," but why do you think they'd put Mario over Zelda? On most internet polls, and looking at fan reactions in general (see Twilight Princess unveil) Zelda is always above Mario.