[majewsky]

> A lot of consoles are sold at a loss

I don't believe that's the case anymore. Newer console generations have moved on from exotic ISAs and the like towards using a lot of off-the-shelf parts for smartphones or PCs. The Switch, for instance, has been sold at a profit from day one [1].

[1] https://web.archive.org/web/20170131084504/https://www.bloom...

[lights0123]

The Switch also has very little power compared to gaming consoles. It's the same price as an Xbox One S, but with far less processing power.

[e_y_]

It's portable though. A mobile phone has far less processing power than a workstation or laptop (and some are nearly as expensive) but it's also a fraction of the size / weight / power consumption / heat output.

[tempoponet]

Not to split hairs but it's the same retail price as an Xbox _series_ S, which is a generation newer. Due to supply issues you are mostly correct, in practical terms.

[criddell]

I don't believe it's ever been the case. On some days (especially early on) the console may sell at a loss, but over the lifetime of the console, the hardware is almost certainly net profitable.