this definatly won't happen. the only reason the PS3 was so much was because of the hardware inside, wii-u will be about as powerful as the 360, and that came out almost a decade ago.
Sony already said they are said they are not doing that mistake again.

the only way i can see the wii-u being more then $300 is the controllers themselves. and even that is a stretch, chances are the wii-u will be $200 for the basic package, and $300 for the deluxe

I'm not ignorant, I know they didn't confirm it, that's my reaction if it's true.

Why are some people even entertaining this?

I definitely feel sorry for you guys.  Granted back when the PS3 launched, the US dollar was worth more than the AU dollar.  Things have definitely changed, though, since the AUD is now worth a little more than the USD.  Yet, for some reason, you guys still have to pay more for the same thing over there.  Have you noticed any trend of prices starting to come down to get closer those found in the US?

@ skeezer

I agree.  True it won't be $600, but those who think the MAX the price will be is $300 are in for a real surprise when the price is officially announced.  Even if Nintendo is willing to take a loss on the Wii U, I can't see the price being below $350.

Nope. It won't be over $349.

Hope that's not true.

If so, history will repeat itself and Nintendo has learned nothing from SCE's initial mistakes with the PS3.

While there's a big difference between making a comfortable profit on each unit sold at launch (in the case of the Wii U) versus losing over $200 on every unit (PS3), in the eyes of the general consumer, $600 is too much for a dedicated game playing console. Even the PS3 had to leverage quite a few early sales on the merit of being one of the first BD players on the market and it was still too expensive for most consumers who were mainly or only interested in playing games.

Personally, I wouldn't pay a penny over $400 and I'm pretty sure most video game playing consumers are in the same category.

Correct.  I believe the AUD was hovering around ~0.75USD at the time of the PS3 launch.  The AUD has since jumped to parity for well over a year now.  I would say with recent price cuts that they are falling more in line with comparative pricing - wow I haven't looked at Australia's console prices in a while now - the 360 is actually on par with US prices - http://www.jbhifi.com.au/games/microsoft/x-box/360/ The PS3 is still $100 dearer for some reason. 

Damn I had to  kill my rant about our 'socialist' state with higher welfares and minimum wages. 

The wiiu will be 300 USD at launch. Mark my words.

Glad prices are starting to come down for you there.  Wonder if that means come launch time next gen, consoles won't have as large of a price difference between regions.  Lol, I figured the term dearer meant more expensive, but looked it up just to make sure.  Don't hear that term used in the States.

It'll be $399, Nintendo knows what they're doing. They're not going to make the same mistake Sony made, none of them will for that matter.