Valve Distances From Xi3's 'Steam Box', Piston

It sounds like Xi3 Corporation's Piston micro PC can't quite be classified as a 'Steam Box' anymore. Valve has stated that it has distanced itself from the unofficial modular computer, and no longer has any involvement with the company.

The Steam Box project was Valve's attempt to conquer the living room, using its PC gaming platform Steam as a central pillar. The idea would involve the release of custom living room computer systems from multiple manufacturers and partners - one such suggested partner was Xi3 Corporation and its Piston. But no longer.

VP Marketing, Doug Lombardi, said in a statement to Eurogamer that, "Valve began some exploratory work with Xi3 last year, but currently has no involvement in any product of theirs."

The comment immediately follows news that Xi3 began taking pre-orders for its Piston machine, with prices starting at an eyebrow-raising $999.99.

With Valve leaving Xi3 to go it alone, and the company keeping predictably schtum on progress regarding its Steam Box plans (it is expected that it will build its own living room PC), the future is looking slightly less certain. If nothing else, it makes the apparent charge by our incoming Console PC Overlords seem much less aggressive.