The console is something that enables the user to modify variables through the attached input devices. Yes.
The difference is the allowance of what input devices are allowed on a devkit and a retail machine. A devkit can accept inputs from PC and direct text input. A retail machine has to take it all from controller or use a keyboard and Microsoft's little virtual keyboard. If the command console was only engineered to work through either an attached PC or without the virtual keyboard, it wouldn't be allowed on a retail machine. It would have to be reimplemented.
Now, I like to caveat my statements, so I'll say I don't know how Bethesda implemented theirs on consoles. But I'm pretty darn sure they're not omitting it from consoles just to scorn you.
There is no difference, an Xbox can also accept direct input from a keyboard. It is, for all intents and purposes, a pc running a very specific os. Either way it's irrelevant.
I think you've over thought this.
The console and the game are one. The console in no way usurps the programming structure of the game, nor does it need to. It works within predefined bounds created by the programmers. It wouldn't be "engineered" to not work based on input.
Perhaps you're confusing the creation kit with the built in console?