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The Xi3 Piston was a small, HDTV-oriented Windows PC that could run Steam—not an official Valve Steam Machine. Its roughly $1,000 starting price bought a compact, configurable computer, but no gamepad; buyers had to supply a controller themselves.
What was the Xi3 Piston?
Announced in 2013, the Piston was a palm-sized x86 computer designed to connect to an HDTV. It was not a closed console: Xi3 described a modular motherboard intended to make upgrades easier, and said the system could run Windows or Linux and access multiple online gaming and entertainment platforms.
Ars Technica’s 2013 coverage listed a 3.2 GHz quad-core AMD processor, Radeon 7000-series graphics with 384 programmable cores, support for as many as three monitors, 12 I/O ports—including eight USB ports—and a 40-watt power draw. Those specifications described a compact PC, not a guarantee of high-end gaming performance. Ars Technica’s Piston specifications and coverage
Was it actually a Steam Machine?
No—not in the sense of a Valve-owned or officially identified Steam Machine. The public statements were mixed about the companies’ earlier dealings, but clear about the Piston’s status. Valve told Eurogamer, in a statement quoted by Ars Technica: “Valve began some exploratory work with Xi3 last year, but currently has no involvement in any product of theirs.” Ars Technica on Valve’s statement
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Xi3, by contrast, said Valve had invested in the company and asked it to build a product, and noted that the companies had shown the Piston at CES. Yet Xi3 founder Jason A. Sullivan explicitly rejected the “official Steam Box” assumption: “We’ve never said that and neither has Valve.” Xi3’s March 13, 2013 statement
Xi3 said the Piston would initially ship with Windows, while Linux was also an option, and that it could access Steam along with other platforms. Sullivan explained the Windows choice as a response to where most game software and PC gamers were at the time. Steam was therefore one way to use the Piston, not its exclusive identity. Xi3 on Windows, Linux, and platform access
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- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
What did the Piston cost?
The launch-era base price was about $1,000, and choosing more SSD storage raised it substantially. GameSpot reported the following 2013 prices:
| Storage | Reported 2013 price |
|---|---|
| 128 GB SSD | $999.99 |
| 256 GB SSD | $1,339.99 |
| 512 GB SSD | $1,749.99 |
These are historical launch-era figures, not current prices. GameSpot’s 2013 price and storage coverage
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Did it come with a controller?
No. Engadget reported that the Windows-based Piston would ship “sans controller.” A buyer planning to play from the couch needed to add a gamepad to the setup, so the advertised base price did not include everything needed for controller-based play. A USB PC gamepad controller is the straightforward accessory choice for that setup. Engadget’s Piston interview coverage
Why was the price hard to justify?
At roughly $1,000 before adding a controller, the Piston cost far more than dedicated consoles of its period. Its compact design, PC flexibility, multiple display support, and upgrade-oriented motherboard were distinct advantages, but the published graphics hardware was not positioned as a high-end gaming solution.
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- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Ars Technica judged expected performance as “OK-but-not-great” for contemporary games and warned that the price and power could leave it in a “jack-of-all-trades middle ground.” Those are the reviewer’s assessments, not standardized benchmark results. A later hands-on account found the system playable but said Call of Duty: Black Ops II appeared to test its limits; that, too, is a contemporaneous impression rather than a universal performance measurement. Contemporaneous Piston hands-on report
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How did it differ from a typical console?
The Piston’s defining trade-off was flexibility for a higher, less complete starting setup. A conventional console is generally sold as a more fixed gaming appliance; the Piston was a small PC, with the configuration and storefront choices that implies. The comparison below reflects the documented 2013 Piston, not later Xi3 products or every console model.
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- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
| Consideration | Xi3 Piston | Typical dedicated console |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | About $1,000 at launch; higher-storage versions cost more. | Generally much lower than the Piston’s launch price; exact model and price varied. |
| Controller included | No; reported to ship without one. | Typically includes a game controller. |
| Operating system | Windows initially; Xi3 said it could also run Linux. | Console operating system, not a general-purpose Windows/Linux PC. |
| Storefront choice | Xi3 said it could access Steam and other platforms. | Usually centered on the console maker’s game ecosystem. |
| Graphics and performance | Radeon 7000-series integrated graphics; contemporary reviews were cautious about demanding games. | Varied by console and game; not directly comparable from the available specifications. |
| Upgradeability | Modular motherboard was intended to make upgrades easier. | Generally a more fixed hardware platform. |
| Display support | Up to three monitors, according to the published specifications. | Usually designed primarily for one TV display. |
| Official Valve relationship | Valve said it had no current involvement in Xi3 products; Xi3 denied calling it the official Steam Box. | Not applicable to ordinary consoles. |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
