Nintendo outlines some of their long term plans with the Wii U itself not getting any price cuts for at least 3 years or 2015 if it follows the same path as the Wii. The tablet might between that time considering its being rumored to cost around $100 to $150 if it were to be sold separately right now (its not until mid 2013).
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/...t-three-years/
Also just like every other Nintendo console, the Wii U will be region locked.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/...ock-the-wii-u/