One of the key factors of Valve’s upcoming SteamOS initiative is dedicated hardware, called Steam Machines. While anyone can download and install the Linux-based operating system, the really exciting developments in the saga will likely come by way of the small, unique, and hopefully affordable Steam Machines.
Valve has already issued its own beta hardware to 300 lucky testers, but the company is also partnering with third party OEMs to launch an entire ecosystem of Steam hardware. Until now, only iBuyPower was on board, but Engadget reported Sunday that the rest of the initial hardware partner lineup will be unveiled this week. According to the website, the following companies will be officially partnering with Valve to produce Steam Machines:
- iBuyPower
- Alienware
- Falcon Northwest
- CyberPowerPC
- Origin PC
- Gigabyte
- Materiel.net
- Webhallen
- Alternate
- Next
- Zotac
- Scan Computers
Many other companies may join the fray in the future, but except most of the above list to unveil plans this week, either on the show floor at CES, or online. More details should arrive during Valve’s CES press conference on Monday. Those looking to try their hand at building their own Steam Machine can grab the SteamOS beta at Valve’s website.
