When Microsoft first decided they were going to venture into the world of console gaming instead of initially deciding to produce their own hardware, they instead offered to buy Nintendo or Sega both of which were rejected. Now as Microsoft prepare the highly successful Xbox successor it seems thoughts of buying Nintendo aren't a long way in the past.
According to reports from a analyst conference in Frankfurt, Gates expressed a continuing interest in buying out the Japanese game company saying that if Hirosho Yamauchi, the former president of Nintendo and stakeholder, called he would take the call and suggested he would make an offer if Yamauchi was interesting in selling.
This would be a surprising but typical move by Microsoft , who have been keen to sign up developers for the Xbox, but a move for a competitor would be bold indeed.
Both Microsoft and Nintendo refused to be draw into speculation and declined to comment.
Nintendo have recently finalised plans for their handheld follow up to the GBA, the Nintendo DS and it would be highly surprising if Nintendo chose to sell out, especially to an American competitor.