August 4^th, 2004 (12:00am) - A few years back, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates had made attempts to purchase both Japanese videogame industry giants Nintendo and SEGA. Both attempts failed, and it is still believed that these failed attempts prompted Microsoft to release the Xbox on their lonesome, which (admirably) has proved to be somewhat successful for the Seattle-based company. However, it seems as Mr. Gates still has a large interest in buying Nintendo.

Gates recently told WirtschaftsWoche, a German financial magazine, that “if Hiroshi Yamauchi phones me, I’ll pick up at once.” Hiroshi Yamauchi is Nintendo’s (NCL) largest shareholder and former President. Nintendo is his family’s legacy for over a hundred years, from when the company was simply responsible for creating playing cards.

Arguably, even though the performance of its passed two home consoles have been a disappointment compared to its NES and SNES predecessors, Nintendo is still considered the most recognizable name brand in the videogame industry and it continues to remain the most profitable company in this business despite slow sales of its GameCube console. It is believed that Hiroshi Yamauchi will never even think about selling his shares in the company. Fans of his Presidential days know all to well that he is the most stubborn and cutthroat man in the industry, one who would never accept defeat.