score:3
It is fairly safe (external damage/theft) to bring gaming consoles in checked-in baggage. Just pack it well and if possible, ask the person at airport check-in desk to put a fragile sticker while checking-in the luggage.
Disclaimer: I should not be held responsible if you end up with a bricked console but people do it all the time.
Upvote:2
Never put anything of value in check-in luggage.
No airline and no insurer will pay for damages and loss, and there are many options for things to disappear from your luggage.
It is also not a good plan to transport anything in check-in luggage if is likely to get damaged when thrown, as all luggage, even with Fragile stickers, is often handled in such a way that it is likely to break.