Typically, when a new games console launches its price point is below the actual cost of manufacturing. But over time, through a combination of bulk component orders and the refining of the hardware design, the cost falls below the retail price. The PS3 was sold at a loss for nearly four years, the PS4 was profitable within six months of its launch, and the PS5 has taken eight months. Considering the novel new design and global chip shortages, that's quite impressive.
Microsoft doesn't share Xbox hardware sales figures and has recently stated no Xbox console has ever turned a profit for the company
Game consoles are definitely not sold at a loss.
Not always, but quite often
Found this with a quick search (pcmag)
Yeah the goal's to get you into their ecosystem which will recoup the loss.
Microsoft also makes you pay for online so I’m sure they recouped tons of money from that alone
they all make you pay for online now
Point taken.
I still wouldn't trust the companies directly for that though. Could be some accounting shenanigans involved.