The Xi3 Piston was initially dubbed a "Steam Box," one of several TV-ready PCs being made by third-parties alongside Valve's own hardware. But in the wake of pre-orders starting over the weekend after being shown at SXSW, Valve is distancing itself from the hardware.
The Xi3 Piston was shown off at SXSW this weekend, with the presentation revealing the user interface for the customized PC box. At the same time, pre-orders opened for the basic unit at just under $1,000.
As Microsoft and Sony prepare new consoles and Valve plans its Steam Box (or boxes), it seems everyone is preparing for the three to go head-to-head. Everyone except Valve boss Gabe Newell, at least, who seems unperturbed by either console and more concerned with Apple's movements in the market.
Read more: 'I think Apple rolls the console guys really easily' »
For yonks, rumours have buzzed about Valve selling its own pre-built PC, fondly nicknamed the 'Steam Box' by fans. Yesterday Valve and Xi3 announced that the Half-Life creator and Steam mastermind had invested in the fledgling hardware company, and that the pair are working on a mini-PC aimed at living rooms with the codename 'Piston.'
Valve may get into the hardware business someday, but not anytime soon according to Doug Lombardi. The company marketing director was responding to rumors of the Steam Box, which rumors suggested could be unveiled later this year. It was said to be a custom-made piece of hardware that Valve would sell to run the Steam interface, but Lombardi dismisses the reports.
As the developer behind Steam and game series including Half-Life, Portal, Left 4 Dead and Counter-Strike, Valve is the de facto figurehead of modern PC gaming, and it's long been rumoured that it'll get into hardware. A fresh rumour is now circulating, saying Valve's planning a standardised PC platform dubbed the 'Steam Box,' which may be revealed at GDC this week.
"I think mentioning ANY price point is silly at this point since there hasnt been a feature set ..."
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