Geek Syndicate

There’s be  a lot of talk of Valve working on a PC based console system but the rumours have been confirmed as Valve have unveiled at CES a development stage system optimised for computer gameplay on large high-definition televisions called Project Xi3 Piston.  Project Xi3 Piston is prototype PC based console that is being developed by Xi3 Corporation and funded by Valve.

Designed around Steam’s TV-focused Big Picture mode, the is housed in the uniquely shaped, grapefruit-size case and will allow gamers to access thousands of PC games that can be played on a standard TV just like a conventional console such as the Xbox 360 but with the potential of having the power of high end gaming PC’s rigs.

Xi3 Piston / Steam Box Specs

No final specs have been confirmed but this text system is based on Xi3 Corp. existing performance system, the Xi3 X7A. So specs are expected to be as follows and Xi3 chief marketing officer David Politis has confirmed that the console would be modular, with the option to upgrade components like the CPU, RAM and storage.

AMD APU

1TB of storage

Upgradeable CPU and RAM

1 ethernet port

3.5mm audio in/out,

SPDIF optical audio

4  USB 3.0 ports

4 USB 2.0 ports (with one dedicated to keyboard input)

4 eSATA ports,

2 Mini Display Port ports

1 DisplayPort/HDMI port.

No prices have been confirmed but for reference the Xi3 X7A costs $999 in the US.

Update

In an interview at CES Valve boss Gabe Newell has confirmed that Valve is working on a Steam Box codenamed Bigfoot it plans to release but that it is different from Project Piston. Valve Bigfoot project may be revealed at GDC in March.

Source: Trusted Reviews

Reporter: Soulfinger