Famitsu recently interviewed Nintendo, one of the topics that arose was the GameCube 2. An extract can be seen below.

Nintendo PR: Development is proceeding, and we won't be putting it out after other companies' launch periods, but all I can say for now is that we'd like for you to wait and look forward to it. However, Nintendo has always been striving to create, develop and chase after new types of games, so I think we'd like to have a platform where we can make that kind of software.

Nintendo PR: As long as the rate of broadband installation isn't up there with TV sets, then online play can't be the core of business development no matter what hardware manufacturer you are, regardless of whether it's included as a feature or not.

Nintendo PR: I can't comment about that at this point. If that's the impression our fans have, though, then I guess that shows how expectant everyone is.