Helios on 09 January 2008
Actually, MM and TP are in the same timeline, according to Nintendo's statements. And the only thing linking it to ALttP is the Master Sword in the Lost Woods... Which is also a connection to OoT through the Temple of Time.
Four Swords is stated to be a direct prequel to Four Swords Adventures in the opening.
And the Mario Games have an order... They just never make it an important part of the plot (what you said, basically).
