In-development system will be at the show
Valve’s Gabe Newell had previously gone on the record to share the company’s interest in the living-room PC market, and CES 2013 seems like as good of time as any to show off. In a press release, Xi3Corporation announced that it has “a development stage system optimized for computer gameplay on large high-definition television monitors” which is being shown at its booth as well as Valve’s.
The specifications haven’t been disclosed yet, but the system will use the Xi3 Modular Computer chassis, shown above. In Xi3’s own words, it’s about the size of a grapefruit. This is being designed with Steam and the service’s Big Picture mode in mind “for residential and LAN party computer gaming” on big screens.
Interestingly, Xi3 also announced that it has received an investment from Valve. Given the specific wording about this being a “development stage computer game system,” there’s probably plenty more where that came from. I’m extremely curious to see how Valve phrases this deal and what the branding looks like.
Xi3Corporation today announced a development stage system optimized for computer gameplay on large high-definition television monitors.
Housed in the uniquely shaped, grapefruit-size Xi3® Modular™ Computer chassis, this new development stage product is being showcased this week at the 2013 International CES trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada in booth #20425 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Xi3’s new development stage product is designed specifically to support both Steam® and its Big Picture™ mode for residential and LAN party computer gaming on larger high-def screens.
With more than 50 million subscribers around the world, Steam is the digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer and communications/community platform from Valve Corporation. Big Picture mode allows members to access and play games through Steam on any connected high-definition television display/monitor.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for Xi3,” said Jason A. Sullivan , founder, President and CEO of Xi3. “This new development stage product will allow users to take full-advantage of their large high-definition TV displays for an amazing computer game experience. As a result, this new system could provide access to thousands of gaming titles through an integrated system that exceeds the capabilities of leading game consoles, but can fit in the palm of your hand.”
Xi3 also announced today it has received an investment from Valve Corporation. Xi3’s new development stage computer game system is also being showcased in Valve’s booth (#25730) at CES 2013. No additional details about Xi3’s new system or Valve’s investment in Xi3 will be released at this time.
