So lets say Nintendo is sitting on some general game ideas and rather than toss Mario into some new rehash of the game how about they let the fans choose in a somewhat market researchy way.
In the next Smash Bros have some new interesting characters that we have not seen before and keep a tab on how often they are played online with? Then take those and base a game around them.
Example:
They are tinkering around a RPG set in post apocalyptic world.
and using that setting they have a set of Heroes for that game but having an issue choosing the main character.
Put two or three in the game and see how the players react to them.
I would feel like Nintendo is taking notice of what the players are looking for in games.
Would help a bit with R&D of future IPs
And also avoid some of the odd ball entries into beloved series (Star Fox adventures for example).
