4 ms·
> 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 u
by majewsky 5y ago
> 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.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-31/nintendo-beats-profit-lifts-forecast-on-pokemon-ahead-of-switch https://web.archive.org/web/20170131084504/https://www.bloom...
- lights0123 5y agoThe 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.
- tempoponet 5y agoNot 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.
- e_y_ 5y agoIt'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.
- criddell 5y agoI 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.