Wow, just imagine what would have happened if Nintendo had gotten exclusive stuff for all of those third-party games (and I'm not talking about stupid GBA connectivity). Like Samus in Madden or something.
That sure would have spiked up sales!
They could just have the third parties put Link in all their games, that would probably be enough.
Actually, putting Link in a game where he FITS was a great idea. I think people would get a bad image of Nintendo if they started putting him in ALL their games, like it was a move of desperation or something (or just being a blatent advertiser). Link in Madden? No! Link in a weapons based fighter in a fantasy vision of the old world just when America was discovered? Yes!
Now then, if Nintendo were to do this again, I would suggest doing it with Starcraft Ghost. They should put Samus in there, like possibly as an unlocked extra when you beat the game, you can play it through as her (ala the unlocked characters in Castlevania games). MS would most likely toss in Master Chief, and Sony would get... an Orc in a space suit (to honor how Namco screwed over PS2 owners by tossing in a guy Namco ALREADY OWNED as an "extra").
Yeah, I saw that... great news, especially considering that this is Europe we are talking about... :)
Ah... well... neither was I!
I feel like watching Zatoichi right now. He's the best.