I mean, even if they were to go under, Nintendo would have no interest in either. Maybe Sony due to their mishap back then but Nintendo would rather do their own thing than be bothered with the design philosophy of Sony or Microsoft and same goes for either company.

I'm talking about just their gaming division. That is what this thread is about anyways.

Sony Playstation. In my opinion, I think Nintendo's style is more similar to Sony's than Microsoft. They could potentially benefit more from Sony's IP than that of Microsoft. Also, Sony's customer base would probably be more tolerant of the buyout than Microsoft's.

MS, so they could both go under, as forbidden lovers.

Xbox would actually be buy-able, but I don't think the cultures would mix at all.

Sony would be much easier to combine with, but honestly it is an INSANELY bigger company with more powerful leadership. If anything Sony would buy Nintendo! (And the same goes for MS).

I think this scenario and the reverse scenario will never happen. Nintendo won't buy or be bought out.

For the theoretical, I would like them to go with Microsoft's gaming division. For several reasons. PlayStation is more believable though

Phil Spencer would be a great asset as he currently stands. Argue about the man's PR all you want, but he put effort into improving the Xbox and engaging his team. His approach this gen saved the Xbox from being a commercial failure. Competitive failure is another story, but what could you really do.

Their IP are very different from Nintendo so it would help diversify them.

Halo team's development experience could help Metroid, and even expand it in some ways. Perhaps either other IPs. After the realistic Link tough, keep them far away from LoZ

Rare back where it belongs. I say no more.

I went for Xbox because although I prefer the Playstation brand, I think having a major company based in the West would probably be a good move for Nintendo - because I think we know that they do lack a Western perspective. And on the contrary to the OP, I think Nintendo could revitalise Halo - I don't necessarily think they'd bring it into EAD who simply aren't used to developing such games, but they could offer some great input to whatever developer they would outsource it to. I find Rare to be a little overrated to be honest, but bringing Banjo Kazooie back to Nintendo would be no bad thing.

I don't think you know how much just their gaming divisions are worth either. I certainly don't.

XBox PS should always be the archenemy

PlayStation of course, immagine the GT team working on F-Zero *-*
but seriously PS has more valuable IPs as well as leading in the market were Nintendo is doing worse (Europe) so with their IPs maybe they could shift things aroud...