Nintendo is not the only company not creating new IPs... look at the next few big games for PS3... MGS4, FFXIII, GT5, GTA4.... there is alot of numbers at the end of those games. In many cases I prefer sequels if done well because they are not an experiment, a good example is SMG... Would a new IP have been so refined.. well maybe, but I feel SMG is a culminatrion of the work done over the last 12 years in Mario series. SSB is another one, Brawl is so much better than SSB or Melee (unless you are stubborn and refuse to play any, but the N64 one)
I think they should only create new IP's for a new gameplay experiance... Pikmin is an example of this. I see no reason for Nintendo to create a new platformer IP, they don't even make enough DK and Mario(platformers) games. Sometimes like in the case of Metriod or Wario Ware they can recycle an old charater for a new experiance, but Nintendo has enough charaters now, they don't need to add any unless they are making a new experiance... and even then they can find old charater (like Kid Ic) and translate them into it.
End of 2009 Predictions (Set, January 1st 2009)
Wii- 72 million 3rd Year Peak, better slate of releases
360- 37 million Should trend down slightly after 3rd year peak
PS3- 29 million Sales should pick up next year, 3rd year peak and price cut
