None, I don't think that there are companies with both HW and SW strength (since SW sells HW) to design a good console with big killer-apps.

The reason Sony managed to get into this consoles is simple - Nintendo and Sega flopped, Sega made the Saturn and Nintendo made the N64, which lunched more than a year (and a half if I recall) after the original PS1.

if it is Apple, lets take a wild guess what they will call it.. Bilbo? ..Frodo?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Bandai_Pippin

:D

Like RageBot said above, you need both hardware and software strength to be able to get in. Sony (i believe) had an existing development arm before PlayStation, Microsoft, of course, had Windows. The older console makers had all done Arcade before they got in (except for Hudson, who made a very specific partnership with NEC to get the backing for the T16). Apple has it, sort of (they don't have game development software strength), but few others do. Verizon, possibly, who is heavily into the gaming content delivery business with VCast

I don't see another company entering the console business, but as for the handheld...yea there will be some competition - that's where i see Apple making a strong push for outside of their iPhone/iPod hardwares, but creating a game focused handheld (with a small analog stick, and still being touchscreen to take advantage of PSP & DS ports)

If I could find the article, Apple has hired several employees from Nvidia. They also are starting to tout their iPhone as a part gaming machine.

I really don't think its that far fetched.

Sega should join Nintendo next gen. They would be the perfect partnership as long as they stay friends. Then Nintendo can help Sega make a good Sonic game, while Sega helps Nintendo with new IP's and some good online features.