Soundwave on 30 October 2012
In 3-4 years I think Nintendo will be readying the successor to the 3DS, probably some kind of tablet.
They're already working on it. I don't think 3DS will have the lifespan of the DS, and the Vita is going to be the handheld equivalent of the GameCube.
In 3-4 years as well you'll probably be able to buy a tablet (iPad, Android, whatever) and have it sync to your TV wirelessly and then be able to display graphics close to/on par with PS3/360/Wii U and play with a bluetooth controller.
No console/handheld needed period.
The average cell phone/tablet come 2017-18 will rip the Vita (and 3DS of course) to shreds in performance power.
3DS/Vita will be outdated devices for a segment of kids who can't afford a tablet/cell phone in a few years.
