Sources?

Another big reason.  Historically, Nintendo just doesn't launch first.

I think it will be more online focused, but not nearly as much as people will like. Basically, we're looking at matching LIVE capabilities, but LIVE as it was on Xbox 1. A centralized account system and friend list, but that'll be the extent of it. They won't make online connectivity at all mandatory (look at their attitudes regarding implementing certain features with certain games). The extra frills, like cross-game party chat or whatever, they aren't going to find necessary, though they'll have a chat channel.

I agree that it will launch first, or tied for first.

I disagree with the bolded part.  GC and Wii hardware is so similar that I can't see one being BC and not the other.  Sure, it would allow Ninty to sell GC games again, but if they did include GC BC (heh), it would garner a lot of good will for negligible costs.  I say, if Wii is BC then GC will be too.  Furthermore, if it isn't, then I predict a hacked firmware that reenables GC BC almost immediately.

Sorry, I don't bookmark every article I read like some people.  And again, because its Nintendo, they could change their minds at the drop of a hat.  What they said a year ago or today could be totally different in a year or even a week.

with rapidly advancing technology, and the amount of money Nintendo have at the moment, I could see them release a new console 2010/2011 as a more advanced Wii (Wii HD) just the wii with the ability to output 720p or 1080p (up-scaling) much like the DSi.

and/or a fully fledged new console 2011/2012 that could outperform the PS360, for $250 US if you think it would need to cost more just look at the 360s current price point. With newer technology even today they could produce a more powerful console incorporating the tech found in AMDs new HD 5000 series etc. and as for storage as SSD become more popular and cheaper I could see Nintendo including 20GB of internal storage easily. the disc media is a strange one they could stick with DVD based disks (aprox 8.5GB) or move on to Blu-ray based media or just go multi-layer , keep in mind Nintendo have always used a proprietary format for their consoles.

Getting rid of friend codes is unlikely and (imo) undersireable

They should have a single code, which governs all games. Then, like MK you should be able to join random games or specifically join a friends game. That way we get all the conveniences of the PS360PC systems without the annoyances of having to put up with 14 year olds screaming and swearing

most online games have a mute function.

My speculation is that they're going to launch much sooner than people anticipate. The success of the Wii Advance will depend on how good they are drawing new people into the gaming fold. If the DSi is any indication -- multimedia functionality is going to find its way onto the next Wii.

Nintendo will try to milk the Wii as much as they can. As HD TV sets became more popular, they will have to upgrade their console, which is likely to be before Sony and Microsoft, although I don't think it will be as sooner as most gamers, me included, would like.

Whenever it cames, the new Nintendo console will be HD -- Iwata already told us in the last E3.

It will be probably back compatible with the Wii and perhaps with the Gamecube -- they might take out the controllers and memory plugs to save some money.

It will probably be cheap. My guess it will be sold for US$250.00, although I agree that US$300.00 would be the limit.

It will expand the notion of motion controls, perhaps beyond M+. However, anything I say in this realm would be pure speculation and Nintendo have already proved to be far more creative than me.

I seriously doubt they will offer some sort of WiiWare and Virtual Console's titles transfer between the Wii and the new console as it would be very hard to implement. Perhaps they will move to an account system, similar to Sony's, which will make things easier in the next upgrade.

Same here. I love nintendo and they are the most innovative with the best ideas and best games...