Xi3’s Valve-funded computer is specifically designed to work with Big Picture Mode

Following Valve’s Big Picture Mode announcement, a sure step in the direction of a fully realized “Steam Box,” manufacturers have been clambering to share in gaming’s next evolution. Today, modular computer manufacturer Xi3 announced that it has received an investment from Valve, and that the company’s newest product — though currently still in development — is being designed specifically to work with Steam and Big Picture Mode. However, Xi3’s hardware has changed little in the past two years, so there’s no guarantee that the company will come out with any huge surprises. Both Valve and Xi3 will be on the ground at CES 2013, and we’ll keep you updated with any developments on the ongoing story.