Could your next home console be Steam powered? A job listing on Valve's site validates persistent comments and rumors that the company has plans to enter the hardware business.

"For years, Valve has been all about writing software that provides great gameplay experiences," says the job posting. "Now we’re developing hardware to enhance those experiences, and you can be a key part of making that happen. Join our highly motivated team that’s doing hardware design, prototyping, testing, and production across a wide range of platforms. We’re not talking about me-too mice and gamepads here – help us invent whole new gaming experiences." 

Requirements for the electronics engineer position include experience in prototyping, thermal management, and circuit simulation.

Game hardware has typically been a loss leader designed to attract the real money associated with software sales. Exposing new audiences to its wildly popular Steam service could help temper the risks typically associated with hardware manufacturing. People have been pining for a PC/console hybrid for years. Could this be it?

[Via Engadget]