Netflix actually has a boatload of original content already existing, or on the way. Nintendo would have to throw some considerable money Netflix's way, far, far more than they would ever spend on something like a TV show, to strike a deal like this. Not to mention that dismissing the relevance of streaming services like Hulu and Prime Streaming would be a huge mistake.

I would watch a Zelda and Metroid animated series.

Because their IP get a spotlight and focus they wouldn't get being spread out like that.

I know they do, but very few are what anyone would call notable.

I don't think they'd have to throw nearly as much money as you seem to think. Quite the opposite. It's Netflix who would be foaming at the mouth for a deal like this, not Nintendo. Nintendo is the one with the powerful IP and the choice to have it air elsewhere.

I think any of the three would work, I just think Netflix is by far the most accessible and successful between them. And I think they have particularly good relations with Nintendo due to the massive success of their platform on the Wii.

That's a bad thing, not good. Why wouldn't they want to reach more people. Not everyone subscribes to Netflix. 

I'd rue the day Metroid was animated. And ever since the since de-confirmed Zelda live action rumor, I've been partial to a Zelda live action series too, since I think it could be this generation's Harry Potter if handled correctly.

No, that would be an absolutely fantastic thing. It's why TV channels work so well. A focused platform where you can only watch their content.

Of course not everyone subscribes, but far more than enough do for it to be massively successful.

Hmm interesting idea. Netflix could very well be that next step in getting Nintendo's IPs out there. Though as others have said in this thread getting the shows on other platforms like Hulu and Prime should be considered as well.

However that might prove to be tricky since I can see Netflix wanting the exclusive rights to the shows since they could prove to be lucrative for them. In the end, if Nintendo was made to pick just one I would advise they go with the one that has the biggest audience. And I'm going to hazard a guess that it's Netflix.

Man thinking about all this makes me excited at watching a Zelda, Metroid or Super Mario show. Or even a Pokémon show! (Oh wait)

I find myself not wanting to agree, but just like the Sakurai president thing, there's nothing I can think of to actually disagree. This idea is too sound

You think they never tried making a Mario tv show in 30 years because they didn't have a Netflix contract? It's more likely they don't wanna bother trying it, and rightfully so. TVs exists for longer than Mario.