I find it intriguing that Nintendo haven't made more of an effort to create more anime considering it's extensive catalog of franchises, this Tribute List gets to the issue of why some shows do work, should work and don't work.
First up is the anime that already exists moving to the ones that don't.
Pokemon Current Format
Yes Pokemon is still the cream of the Nintendo Anime Sundae, but it's been such a staple for so long that it needs a new direction or a new lead.
Rating: It's current season is boring and tedious and in desperate need of help.
Pokemon with a Different Plot and Protagonist
Again attempted with Red and teased a lot with the release of Black & White 2. This idea can work but needs to tread a different path to Ash Ketchum.
Rating: It can work and the current fanbase who have stuck with it deserve it for remaining loyal.
Pokemon with just the Pokemon
Teased with numerous times but it would mean giving them actual dialogue and that doesn't really make for a desirable series.
Rating: Keep this idea in the games as their script doesn't involve voiceovers.
Kirby
The show is pretty much what I expected of Kirby, there really isn't much else to add.
Rating: It doesn't need a comeback and I can accept what the anime it did release had.
Animal Crossing
It certainly works as a cutesy kids show but the Animal Crossing experience is very much dictated by it's players, which would mean giving a character the name Nanashi which translates as No Name in English should it go through with anything other than a movie.
Rating: Probably would work better without the human characters.
F-Zero
The problem this anime had is that they needed to make an anime only character to make the series happen. Strange considering there's at least 40 characters to work with and probably takes some edge off Captain Falcon's lead character status but I digress, what we did get was good enough and probably shouldn't be pursued again.
Rating: Doesn't need remaking unless you go for the Live Action route which would work.
Fire Emblem
Fire Emblem only managed an OVA during the 90s where every other second class game was trying to break into anime, but with such an extensive catalog of storylines it could easily try again especially with Awakening featuring personal favorite Lucina.
Rating: The OVA is hardly memorable but a full on series based on one of the major games is a sure fire winner.
Mario
Trialed as an OVA back in the early Mario franchise stages it's sad that it's produced several cartoons and a poor live action film but never attempted another anime. With a group of interesting characters now in the franchise and a history with enough to work with, a Mario anime is a no brainer.
Rating: Needs to happen if it hopes to stay relevant in this decade.
Legend of Zelda
Another one dipped in history but has too many things blocking it's release, for one thing, which game needs making into an Anime? Link would need voicing which went down soooo well the previous times and finally would it actually work with nothing to take from the character other than the same sword and shield and green costume?
Rating: This one is tougher than Mario as Link's lack of vocals don't really suit it for anime even if the environment does.
Metroid
Considering that everyone knows what Samus looks like now this franchise is almost a no brainer for anime adapting, it may even work as a live action, however it needs to decide whether or not it should have outside help for animating considering that Other M happened on the Wii and that wasn't a comfortable episode for Samus.
Rating: Yes it can work and should work but needs the right people to do it.
Starfox
Missing from the current era of animation is the animal sci-fi, left unclaimed when Bucky O'Hare stopped airing. There's enough to get this series off the ground but I doubt Japan would want to do it as it would actually work better Western made.
Rating: The west are better at animating Anthros so should make it instead of the Japanese.
Earthbound
This show has too much creepy to work as an anime, have you seen some of the stuff that comes out of this game? It doesn't help that the characters look far too close to Charlie Brown and Doraemon.
Rating: Too difficult to find a balance between the show's kid characters and the game's creepy mantra.
Warioware
Definitely works as a series of interesting shorts Looney Tunes style much like it's collection of ten second games.
Rating: This one works and certainly gives screentime to undervalued Warioware characters.
Donkey Kong
It didn't work as a cartoon, it didn't work in terrible CGI it won't work as an anime.
Rating: No just no. Moving on.
Other Nintendo Franchises.
Pikmin
Not a lot to work with.
Chibi Robo
As a collection of shorts yes but as a full series no.
Super Punch Out
Too much like Hajime no Ippo
Custom Robo Arena
Maybe but too much like Megaman to succeed.
Game & Watch
Works as a collection of shorts maybe.
Splatoon
Yes, looks like it could work surprisingly well.
Kid Icarus
Yes, yes, yes, yes, this franchise works the most as an anime, it's anime shorts prove it does, it has some of the best characters, funniest dialogue, most extensive universe to make an easy 52 Episode series. This is the franchise I really hope Nintendo haven't given up on since it's 3DS comeback, it's an amazing series that needs it's own anime. Make it happen Nintendo.
Rating: The post picture should prove my point. I also suggest watching Palutena's Revolting Dinner for an idea of how it should work.
