It's a well-known fact that history repeats itself. So, on one hand it'd make sense that the next generation of videogames will bear many similarities to this one, the previous one, and so on. And yet on the other hand, the next generation could be totally different, if the industry learns from the mistakes made in this generation.
To figure out what might happen to the next Nintendo console, let's take a look at a time when the GCN was simply known as "Project Dolphin", the "Anti-64", etc.
http://web.archive.org/web/19991013182220/www.gamefusion.com/gf-dolphin-cove/Anyone remember this site? This was made Fran Mirabella III big. He's currently and editor at IGN Cube. Anyhow, by looking at the news and interviews floating around on the Internet prior to the Gamecube's launch, we can see that Nintendo delivered in some aspects, and failed to do so in others.
Things that changed:
For the worse:
Nintendo delays the launch of "Dolphin" from mid-2000 to late 2001, giving Sony's PS2 a huge lead.
Many anticipated games, such as Too Human from SK, a Pokemon rpg from Nintendo, a Jet Force Gemini sequel and Perfect Dark 0 from Rare, Thornado from Factor 5, and a car combat game, adventure-rpg, and more from Retro Studios were either cancelled or delayed indefinitely.
Many interesting features, such as built-in online compatibility, Q (the dvd-cube hybrid) making it stateside, putting your face on game characters (PD 0, anyone?), and more were either never realized, or delayed for more than a year.
Nintendo's marketing in North America went down the crapper. It has all but vanished from Western media (how often do you see Nintendo mentioned in the news anymore, even when it's about videogames?).
For the better:
In addition to updating old-school hits, Nintendo releases new franchises, such as Pikmin, Animal Crossing, Lost Kingdoms, etc., with sequels already available or well on the way.
Nintendo starts re-building its 3rd party support: Capcom, Sega, and even Konami show interest in Nintendo's hardware.
New management. Nintendo adopts a more offensive stance, rather than an indifferent one, and is now intent on competing with Sony and Microsoft.
The overall cycle:
Nintendo did not hold fast to its initial plans, and suffered. Developers come and go. Relatively low interest in the Gamecube, but stellar success with the Gameboy Advance and GBA SP.
How this can be applied in the upcoming generation:
Nintendo is fully aware of the consequences for releasing a late system. They'll push for an early launch. They will also capitalize on the portable market, this time aiming to squash the portable PlayStation and maintain their monopoly.
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