Usually, its not good to speculate.  But hey, sometimes its fun.  And in the case of Nintendo, its a necessary evil as they hardly give out any news on their upcoming projects.  And while a future release of any new console is probably at least 2 years a way, if not much longer, let's ask the question, what is Nintendo most likely planning for their next Console?

For my ideas, I have simply broken it up into 2 categories.  The most plausible, and the least plausible.  But feel free to throw out your ideas in whatever way you wish.

What is most Plausible:

-It will be fully HD.

-Ability to transfer or redownload WiiWare and Virtual Console titles purchased from the Wii to the new Console.

-Will most likely feature an enhanced form of WiiWare as well as many other popular channels (in whatever new format the console uses).

-The system will likely have backwards compatibility with Wii games and hardware.

-Will most likely have stronger online support.  The content to be determined upon release.  Most likely not as focused or strong as its competitors, but still strong enough for more Online focused gameplay without limits (no more friend codes, more servers dedicated to online play, etc).

-The system will most likely launch before the respective consoles for Microsoft or Sony.

-While probably not the most powerful hardware of its generation, like the GameCube, it will probably close the gap on the competition graphically.

-It will most likely launch for $300 US.

Least plausible or purely up to speculation:

-The system could be called the 'Wii HD' or 'Wii2' or 'WiiToo'.

-The system may feature a completely new type of motion interface device, further advancing motion sensor interface technology in regards to gaming.

-System may come bundled with a third incarnation of WiiSports showing off the new interface of whatever new controllers (or other interface) is used by the system.

I would be very surprised if Nintendo was first to launch another console.

Considering MS and Sony keep saying they want to push their systems up to 2015 if they can...I don't see why not.

Mostly agree.

Where I disagree is:
1. It will launch last or tied for last.
2. It will not cost more than $250.
3. Name would probably be more of Wii+ or WiiHD to keep popular name but demonstrate enhanced capabilities.

Additions:
1. It will have ~20GB internal flash memory, expandable by latest SD technology.
2. GC games will transition to VC and it won't play GC games, only Wii for BC.
3. Its controllers will be fully BC with Wii contollers, however they won't be the same or even simply WM+ built-in. Definitely much more advanced.

I really don't want to think about NIntendo's next system right now.

But....

I don't think they will announce anything until E3 2011 at the earliest, and release it November 2012 at the earliest. Nintendo said when the Wii launched that their next system would be HD, and I'm sure it will be, it will definitely be the standard by then. I hope it is no more that $250. $300 is just way too much money to me. I would ebay it if it is over $250.

I never can understand what goes through Nintendo's mind when they make stuff, but I always seem to enjoy it...

I don't think they will be able to pull that off.  Wii is going to last the longest this gen.

I just noticed the $300 price point you had in the OP.  I'm with Superchunk on this, it will not be more than $250.

^I agree 100% theRepublic.

Three big reasons.

1. Wii is still outselling both. (Last week was the last time PS3 will outsell Wii.)

2. Sony and MS both realize that the only reason 360 has a bigger market share than PS3 is because of the 1yr head start. Aligned launches give PS3 the lead. They will try to outdo eachother in coming out first.

3. Nintendo has NEVER put out a console before their competitors. They always try to push as many years as possible to maximise profits. They will be reactive and put it out after or at the same time at the earliest.

Possibly.  But Nintendo has been upstaged three times now by another company releasing their console first and gaining some headway they might not have otherwise gained.  And they've already made hints (in interviews) that they would like to release their system first.  So we'll see if they do.

And well everything is purely speculative.  I'm just guessing $300, because Nintendo will try to make a more graphically powerful system with HD and etc this time.