> Lower volume with consumers fully covering the device cost will probably become the norm

dont know about lower volume, but having the consumer pay the cost of the device fully (instead of subsidized by the later sale of games on the system) is better aligned with the interests of the consumer. You'd be less likely to get monopolistic device sellers signing exclusivity for games like the consoles of the past.

I want the device to be as good as it can be, rather than wanting the device for the exclusive game that it has.