This is why you have multiple SKUs.

$249.99 model - small loss
$299.99 model - small profit
$349.99 model - decent sized profit

I think that Amazon leak is dead on. This setup will let Nintendo grab budget shoppers (those who are drawn to a $250 price point), but still profit overall.

The Wii U could sell at $199 and make a profit if the leaked specs are true.

I REFUSE to pay less than $300

It's what every hardware released from now on will probably have to do.

There is no way any analyst could possible know this as the device has yet to be shipped and broken down.

Ok, here's what we'll do. I'll buy it for $300 or less.

Then I'll sell it to you for $1000. Everyone's happy!

Make it $1200 and we have a deal!

Ok fine, I'm being too generous here but for a VGC mate I'll go the extra mile.

this just in .........people who know nothing about the hardware of a console say how much it should be priced and make predictions that wont come true

The NES and Wii launched at $250.  $250 feels like an appropriate price for the WiiU to launch at.  Of course, this is just the base system with likely Nintendoland and one controller.  $300 and $350 would end up being additional models with additional pack-ins.