Ok,  as a result of adding up everyones' top 10 Nintendo franchises and adding a points system (10 for 1st, 9 for 2nd etc.), here are the top 20 of Nintendo Franchises, gauged by VGC members' favourite list. I had to be judicial about a few things and make a few decisions points-wise. So without further ado:-

*DRUMROLL*

1. Zelda- 327 pts.

2. Mario- 283 pts.

3. Metroid- 180 pts.

4. Fire Emblem- 138 pts.

5. Smash- 133 pts.

6. Pokemon-  128 pts.

7. Donkey Kong- 115 pts.

8. Mario Kart- 113 pts.

9. Xenoblade- 97 pts.

10. Animal Crossing- 64 pts.

11. Paper Mario/RPG- 61 pts.

12. Starfox- 60 pts.

13. Splatoon- 52 pts.

14. Pikmin- 49 pts.

15. Kirby- 48 pts.

16. Wars- 33 pts.

17. Earthbound- 30 pts.

18. F-Zero- 18 pts.

19. Wario- 17 Pts.

20. Yoshi- 15 pts.

There were others that scored but were below this threshold.

Pokemon #6? Definitely a hardcore crowd. I think if the world were to vote...

1) Mario (everyone and their mom knows Mario)
2) Pokemon (This might be even more well known than Mario. Girls love Pikachu)
3) Mario Kart
4) Zelda
5) Smash Bros
6) Splatoon

I put 6 in for arguement sake.

I'd put Smash above Zelda in that scenario.
Zelda may pull slightly ahead, as it had a new game this year; Smash would win normally.

I would probably place Pokemon ahead of Mario, especially when you consider Pokemon Go's impact.

Agreed. This is a gaming site though, so the more hardcore of franchises will be higher. Also, i'd put Animal Crossing on your list, probably above Zelda.

Yeah, I guess that would bump Zelda off the top five.
Honestly, I always forget that AC is super popular.

Zelda is number 1. Yes!

Yep it's still pretty popular here.

Was it ever in any doubt?