I don't expect a succesor to launch before 2017

I'd have to say 2 or 3 more years. The only way I see it going longer is if sales EXPLODE...

They should release a new console in 2016 together with a Nintendo Phone.

Just to put it into perspective, Nintendo did give up on the GameCube after 2004. At least their core teams at that time ... that being EAD, NST, Intelligent Systems, Retro Studios, Silicon Knights, etc. ditched the GameCube to go work on the DS/Wii after 2004.

GCN 2001-2004

Super Smash Bros. Melee
Luigi’s Mansion
Wave Race: Blue Storm
Eternal Darkness
Pikmin
Animal Crossing
Super Mario Sunshine
Star Fox Adventures
Metroid Prime
Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
Mario Kart: Double Dash
Paper Mario 2: Thousand Year Door
1080 Avalanche
Metroid Prime 2: Corruption
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (pub. by Konami)
Legend of Zelda: Four Swords
Pikmin 2
Pac-Man VS. (pub. by Namco)

2005-2006

Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat
Fire Emblem: Path Radiance
Zelda: Twilight Princess (effectively moved to Wii, only a limited/late release on GCN)

Yes the GameCube got a few more games in the vein of Mario Party, Geist, Mario Baseball, Battallion Wars ... but these were outsourced games that the core Nintendo development teams weren't developing.

I suspect the same thing will happen to the Wii U. I wouldn't be entirely shocked actually if they "Twilight Princess" Zelda U and move it into 2016 so it can release on Fusion/4DS in addition to a Wii U release.

Anyone who says Nintendo really honestly supported the GameCube for a full 5 years is full of sh*t IMO, and the GameCube was selling considerably better than the Wii U. I wouldn't expect a lot from the Wii U after 2015.

I think I predict 2017 a new console would release or at the very least be revealed.

How would Nintenso be ready to launch a new console in 3 years if they support the Wii U for 3 more years with "solid support"

i imagine there will be at least 1 year of little to no support for the Wii u leading up to the launch of the next console

There was a handful of games that released in the gamecube's final year. I believe we may also see a few cross gen titles for that year as well.

Major support through 2017, possibly something small in 2018. Discontinued in 2020.

Two more years. If Nintendo can match 2014 for the next two, it'll have been a good run. If the next two are more similar to 2013, then count me a little disappointed. I really love my U!

Anyone here who has said 3 more years, I couldn't agree more. Anyone thinking two, I think you're insane. Of they are going to release it in 2016, we should be expecting to see it at next years E3. This isn't going to happen realistically, it just isn't.