I am of the opinion that he purposely omits the Wishlist name drop pushing the sub, TIP and cheer narrative as he can use those funds to buy anything he wants. Console credits can only be used to buy games, something he does not need to do at this time. He said this in not so many words the other day when the Wishlist was brought up by the chat. Sure, people could buy something from his Wishlist, but its such a hassle. Lots of folks have told him what a hassle it is. Much simpler and easier to TIP as he would get that money right away. Nevermind that tip money is in no way guaranteed to be used to buy a game. Trust that he might use that tip to buy the game you're tipping him to purchase and be happy that your money supports his household....and by way of doing so supports his 'business'.
Granted, buying a console credit has more of a chance of being used to buy the game wished. The only way to assure this is to flat out buy the game, however, email him first and discuss it so he can attempt to talk you into sending him the money instead... unless he actually want to play said game.