Especially considering that compared to 20 years ago, doing something like cloud is much easier and can be done much quicker, and would be even more so 20 years from now.  

They didn't patent anything as far as I remember but they have been working on cloud technology since they bought majority shares in Mobiclip a couple of years ago.

they should. cloud gaming really looks like it will explode next gen. and nintendo is already late with this (again). they need to start working on this ASAP

We need more Nintendo gifs.

It`s not really a rumor. They are looking into it.
I don´t really expect cloud computing to do the job instead of the actual hardware, but if it`s possible to use it to add some power to the machine, it could be cool.
In my mind, and i really don`t understand it all that well, it would be like playing a game on 2 graphic boards, with the most powerful being the cloud one. That way people can still enjoy the console by itself and those who have a great online connection, having the best experience possible.

Sony already has the capabilities as well as Microsoft. But the first one has I think the better technology through GAIKAI for gaming. Nintendo will get there eventually but it'll be too little too late to compete.

A few days ago I had dream where I saw that Nintendo had a partnership to release 2 Super Mario Console Games in order to see how those games would perform on a playstation before quitting the console business and focus on games and handhelds.

Lol you do know microsoft will use it's azure service for cloud gaming do you? And azure>>>> Gaikai