Nintendo reveals why Zelda, Mario, and Pokemon won't be on smartphones any time soon

These days, you can pretty much count the number of gaming franchises that aren't available on smartphone or tablet in some shape or form on the fingers of two hands.

The big exceptions to this 'rule' are, of course, Nintendo's most popular titles, such as Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Pokemon. If you want to take them on the go with you, you need to own a DS, 3DS, or 2DS.

Speaking to CNET, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime revealed that Nintendo keeps its franchises exclusive to its own hardware for strictly business reasons.

"That's why we're so focused on having content exclusive to our platform," Fils-Aime said.

"When the consumer wants to play Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon, they [sic] have to purchase our hardware to do so. And that preserves our overall financial model."

Nintendo isn't completely apathetic towards mobile, though.

"We're constantly thinking about how to leverage mobile as a marketing vehicle," Fils-Aime added.

"How do I give little tastes of content, little experiences that then drive the consumer back to my hardware environment?"

That last sentence gives hope to those who are crying out for some crossover love between mobiles and Nintendo games in the future.

We can but pray.