Valve Lines Up Console Partners in Challenge to Microsoft, Sony

Valve Corp., the largest online retailer of games downloaded to PCs, is working with “more than a dozen” partners, including computer makers, to begin selling consoles that take on Microsoft Corp. and Sony Corp.

The closely held company, maker of the “Half-Life” titles, will introduce the companies in early January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, said Greg Coomer, one of the lead designers. They plan to produce and sell the consoles next year using variations of Valve’s prototype design, controller and Steam operating system.