You can't get a grittier Mario than Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, though.

Nintendo would just go third party like sega. Being a third party dev/publisher means they can still have freedom in making what they want in whatever form they so choose

So Sega messing up means Nintendo can't succeed as a 3rd party? That's some weird logic.

That makes absolutely no sense, one company failing at something does not mean all companies would fail at said thing.

I'm torn. I like what Sony is doing for the industry more, but Microsoft would infuse some western perspective with Nintendo's ability to make great games. That's a tough one.

Nintendo will merge with a japanese company, never with a company from another country.

If Nintendo ever do anything like that.. it would offcourse be with sony.. (japanese)

Actully I had think about the possibility, that they could do a phone/handheld together.. Think about it.. After japanese dominans in the handheld space for decades.. Apple.. google.. MS.. samsung and few others.. are about to controll it all.. An insane important marked.. where Nintendo and sony IP's mayby could do the trick.

Also when it comes to homeconsoles..

Together Sony/Nintendo would stand lot better against.. not just MS.. but also valve.. google.. ea.. apple.. samsung.. some chineese companys.. Who in theese years totally destroy the japanese export..

Sony/Nintendo could happen within 5 years..

If they don't find success in the console business, the last thing they are going to do is look to be acquired. Being third party at least gives them the freedom to operate as they so choose.

It would never happen but if it ever did, it would definitely be Sony. Both are Japanese companies and if merged together, could virtually establish a video game monopoly.

Sony and Nintendo would probably mix better..