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Is the Steam Machine Customizable? Companion Cube Project Was Canceled

The Companion Cube Steam Machine enclosure was a canceled, unlicensed dbrand project—not a Valve limited edition. Other customization options include skins and removable faceplates.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Yes, the Steam Machine can be customized, but the “limited-edition Companion Cube” was not an authorized Valve model. It was a dbrand enclosure project that Valve challenged over its unlicensed use of the Companion Cube intellectual property; dbrand removed it and said it was refunding buyers. Other customization routes exist, but their availability and compatibility can change.

What happened to the Companion Cube Steam Machine?

Valve announced the Steam Machine, Steam Controller and Steam Frame on November 12, 2025, describing the devices as open platforms and saying shipping was planned to begin in early 2026. Valve’s announcement did not introduce a Companion Cube edition.

dbrand says it posted a concept render and signup page for a Companion Cube enclosure on the same day. On June 22, 2026, it launched the product. In its June 29 statement, dbrand wrote: “The blunt version is that we made the Companion Cube without a license from Valve.” The company said Valve’s legal team requested removal of the product and launch film, and that Valve later declined its request to continue the project under license. dbrand also said it was issuing refunds to customers who had bought the enclosure.

dbrand reported that the project attracted more than 15,000 first-day notification signups, involved more than 1,000 engineering hours and used 44 injection-molding tool sets. It also said its $99 “Poverty Cube” version lost money on each unit. These are dbrand’s figures about its own project, not independently verified measurements. The product’s short-lived launch does not make it a current Valve edition or a purchase option.

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#1 Best Overall
Companion Cube Storage Box
  • Iconic design capturing memorable gaming moments
  • Functional as a gift box, pen holder, or sweet stash
  • Versatile for gaming-inspired cosplay props
  • A great addition to any gaming collection
  • Dimensions: 3" × 3" × 3"

What customization options are separate from the canceled cube?

Customization remains possible without the Companion Cube enclosure. The options differ in how much of the hardware they replace, how easily they can be reversed, and what needs checking before installation.

Route Physical change What to check
Skin or wrap A surface covering rather than a replacement enclosure Current stock, regional availability, exact model fit and whether the material affects ventilation
Replacement or printed faceplate A removable front panel or custom-made panel Exact fit, file license, seller status, commercial permissions and airflow implications
Replacement enclosure A larger physical change to the case Compatibility, ventilation, warranty implications and whether the design is licensed

An independent faceplate resource documents a removable faceplate and points to Valve CAD files, including a printable blank faceplate. The resource says it is not affiliated with Valve. Check the file’s license and confirm fit before printing, commissioning or selling a part; an available CAD file is not itself proof of permission for commercial use.

Rank #2
OKIVIVI AI Plush Toy Bag Charm with Voice Chat, LED Eyes and Touch Response
  • AI VOICE CHAT – Say the wake word to start short, casual conversations. Ask simple questions, hear playful replies, share a joke, or enjoy a short story. Designed for light entertainment rather than complex assistant tasks
  • APP SETUP REQUIRED – Complete the initial setup through the companion app before use. Follow the included instructions to connect the toy and begin voice interaction. Responses may vary and are intended for casual play
  • LED EYES AND TOUCH REACTIONS – Expressive LED eyes display playful visual effects, while gentle taps activate interactive responses for a fun combination of voice, and touch
  • SMALL AND EASY TO CARRY – Approximately 4.9 inches tall with a soft polyester exterior and attached bag clip. Carry it on a backpack, handbag, or tote, or place it on a desk or shelf
  • SET FOR AGES 13+ – Includes 1 AI plush toy, 1 character card, 1 charging cable, 1 lanyard, 1 comb, and 1 instruction manual. A fun gift for teens, adults, plush collectors, and gadget fans

In July 2026, PC Gamer reported that dbrand had introduced other Steam Machine skins, separate from the Companion Cube. Its report listed approximate historical prices of $35 for single-colour skins, about $43 for more complex patterns and $60 for two premium wraps. Those reported prices do not establish current pricing, stock or compatibility. See PC Gamer’s report for the products it covered.

How to choose a customization route

  • For a low-commitment visual change: look for a skin or wrap made for the exact Steam Machine model. Confirm current availability and fit rather than relying on an older listing or price.
  • For a replaceable front panel: investigate the faceplate design and its file terms, then verify dimensions and fit. Do not assume a printable design has been tested for your specific unit.
  • For any case or enclosure change: consider ventilation and clearance as well as appearance. The sources cited here do not establish that every custom design preserves safe airflow.
  • If licensing matters: distinguish an officially licensed design from an independent maker’s product. The Companion Cube project was not licensed by Valve.
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Where to check the Steam Machine itself

Valve’s official Steam Machine page is the product destination for the gaming PC. Valve’s original announcement said shipping would begin in early 2026, but that announcement is not a live stock or ordering update. Current availability, pricing and regional purchase options are not established here.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Companion Cube Storage Box
Companion Cube Storage Box
Iconic design capturing memorable gaming moments; Functional as a gift box, pen holder, or sweet stash
$39.00
Bestseller No. 5
Cube Cat Stuffed Throw Pillow,Sofa&Bedside Decorative Plush Pillow, Creative Cube Shape Soft Pillow Gift,Suitable for Birthdays, Halloween, Christmas (Black Cat)
Cube Cat Stuffed Throw Pillow,Sofa&Bedside Decorative Plush Pillow, Creative Cube Shape Soft Pillow Gift,Suitable for Birthdays, Halloween, Christmas (Black Cat)
✔️Size information: 11.8in * 11.8in * 11.8in Cube; ✔️Can be used as sofa decoration, floor cushion, bedside decoration
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Cube Cat Stuffed Throw Pillow,Sofa&Bedside Decorative Plush Pillow, Creative Cube Shape Soft Pillow Gift,Suitable for Birthdays, Halloween, Christmas (Black Cat)
  • ✔️ Made of high quality cotton cloth and PP material, soft, for your daily use."Caution: Your cat may develop an instant obsession with this pillow."
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Rank #4
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Soft Red Panda Stuffed Animal Plushie Cute Plush Toy Gift for Girls Boys 9”
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Isaacalyx Dino Nugget Pillow, 18 inch Soft Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets Pillow for Birthday Gifts, Dinosaur Theme Party Decorations
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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