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.

Read more: Valve has 'no involvement' in Xi3 products »

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.'

Read more: Possible system specs »