Valve fan project is turning Steam Machine into a Companion Cube

A fan project has transformed the Steam Machine into a replica of the iconic Companion Cube from the Portal video game series. The initiative comes after dbrand had to withdraw its officially licensed Companion Cube case due to legal pressure from Valve. Now, owners of the Steam Machine can create their own version using 3D-printing files designed by a user known as Jaron. These designs have been made available on the platform Printables and include multiple components styled after the weighted cube featured in the game, including versions with heart symbols and the Aperture Science logo. The design consists of several panels that are assembled through screwing and gluing. Decorative elements, frame parts, and smaller components are glued into place. Magnets help secure removable parts such as the front panel and the cover of the SD card slot. According to Jaron, the finished shell slides over the Steam Machine without blocking any ventilation openings. However, he did not conduct extensive thermal testing before releasing the design. The project is intended to be built using standard 3D printers capable of printing one color at a time. For parts requiring different colors, the printing process must pause at specific points, allowing the material to be swapped with another color. A printer equipped with a multi-color system would simplify the creation of the differently colored components. In addition to the printed parts, the assembly requires screws, melt-in inserts for threading, magnets, and super glue. Jaron has uploaded several videos on Printables demonstrating how to assemble individual components and the complete casing. Jaron emphasized that the project is unofficial, entirely self-created, and does not use official game assets or involve Valve or Steam. This clearly distinguishes his free fan project from dbrand’s commercial Companion Cube case. The accessory manufacturer had developed the product without a license from Valve and had already accepted pre-orders. After Valve's legal department demanded the removal of the product listing and promotional video, dbrand halted sales and refunded customers. Valve later rejected a subsequent request for an official license. In tests, the Steam Machine impressed with its compact size, ease of use, quiet operation, and the openness of a Linux PC. However, it fell short of expectations regarding graphical performance given its high price point. The project highlights the growing trend among fans to customize hardware using 3D printing technology. It also underscores the challenges faced by third-party manufacturers attempting to produce licensed products without proper authorization from intellectual property holders. As more users take up this kind of customization, the demand for detailed instructions and compatible materials will likely increase. Valve has not commented on the fan project, but the company has previously encouraged community-driven innovation around its platforms. Whether this particular endeavor will gain widespread adoption depends largely on the quality of the final build and the enthusiasm of the gaming community. The availability of the design files marks a new phase in how fans engage with hardware associated with their favorite games. While the project is currently limited to enthusiasts with access to 3D printing equipment, it could inspire similar initiatives involving other gaming consoles and peripherals. As the project gains traction, it may prompt discussions about the boundaries of fan creativity versus corporate control over branded merchandise. The outcome of this initiative could influence future approaches taken by both companies and consumers in the evolving landscape of interactive entertainment hardware.