The Resurrection of the Companion Cube

Following Valve’s decision to halt the production of the Dbrand Companion Cube case for their Steam Machine—a move triggered by licensing issues—the gaming community has taken matters into its own hands. A designer named Jaron has released custom files on the Printables platform, allowing users to 3D-print their own iteration of the iconic case design from scratch.

This community-driven project provides all the necessary assembly instructions, video guides, and lists of additional hardware, such as screws, required to complete the build. The creator explicitly emphasizes that this is a hobbyist project, not an official product, and clarifies that it does not incorporate any proprietary assets from Valve or other developers.


Thermal Considerations and Performance

While the DIY case successfully replicates the look of the abandoned Dbrand design, questions regarding thermals remain. The creator notes: «I have not done any extensive thermal tests but no airflow or venting is blocked, and the additional vent provided by the front face plate aperture logo can help provide a little extra airflow. So I don't believe there will be any cooling issues caused by this case.» Despite this, potential builders should exercise caution when placing the device in confined spaces, such as TV cabinets, especially during warmer weather.


A Wave of Steam Machine Customization

The Companion Cube revival is just one example of a broader trend involving Steam Machine customization. Enthusiasts are increasingly exploring various ways to modify or reinvent the hardware:

  • Custom Faceplates: Many users are opting for simple, aesthetic upgrades by 3D-printing or crafting custom front panels to replace the stock exterior.
  • Small Form-Factor (SFF) Builds: Some fans are building entirely new systems that pay homage to Valve's aesthetic. Notable projects include «The Orange Box», a custom build housed in a SilverStone case that features more powerful components like a Ryzen 7 5800X processor and an RX 9060 XT GPU.
  • DIY Alternatives: Platforms like Printables are becoming hubs for SFF cases that mimic the Steam Machine's living-room-friendly form factor while offering improved performance potential.

While these custom SFF alternatives may be larger than Valve’s original device, they often provide significant hardware upgrades. As the community continues to experiment with these designs, we can expect to see even more creative iterations appearing in the near future.