Imagine a world where your gaming hardware doesn’t just play games—it becomes a portal to another dimension of fandom. That’s exactly what’s happening with Dbrand’s latest creation, and trust me, it’s got fans of Valve’s iconic games buzzing with excitement!
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this enclosure an ingenious tribute or just an over-the-top collector’s item that might break the bank for a niche crowd? Let’s dive in and unpack all the details.
You might have thought Dbrand would simply slap a sleek weighted skin inspired by the Companion Cube from Portal onto the newly-revealed Steam Machine. I was right there with you, assuming the same. However, the team at Dbrand has leveled up their homage by crafting a full-fledged Companion Cube enclosure for the device. This isn’t just a cosmetic overlay—it’s an entire shell that transforms the Steam Machine into that familiar, enigmatic cube from Aperture Laboratories. Dbrand’s CEO, Adam Ijaz, shared this exciting news with IGN via email, confirming it’s a complete enclosure, not merely a skin.
For those new to the Portal universe, the Companion Cube is a puzzle-solving tool and beloved character in Valve’s puzzle-platformer series. It’s that deadly, adorable box that players must navigate through dangerous tests, often with a sense of dread and attachment. Now, imagine housing your powerful gaming PC—Valves’s next-gen Steam Machine, which promises to be over six times more potent than the Steam Deck—inside one. It’s a bold move that blends nostalgia with cutting-edge tech.
Ijaz reassured us that they’ve accounted for all the practicalities, such as the removable faceplate and air intake needs, declaring the project fully feasible. The company is currently ironing out the finer points over the next month and is already collecting expressions of interest. They plan to hit the market with this enclosure in early 2026, potentially even before the Steam Machine itself launches. If you’re intrigued, head over to the Dbrand website and sign up for their mailing list to stay in the loop—links are readily available for easy access.
Take a peek at the concept renderings of the Companion Cube Steam Machine enclosure; it’s truly a sight to behold, capturing that weathered, industrial aesthetic with precision.
Delving deeper into the development process, Ijaz elaborated in a follow-up email about the hurdles ahead. They’re in the early stages, and this enclosure requires extensive custom engineering and finishing. Achieving the exact dimensional geometry—like those protruding bumper corners and realistic topography—is just one part of the challenge. The project also demands intricate paint application and detailing to replicate the iconic weathering and panel wear seen in the game. This goes way beyond standard manufacturing techniques, which could make mass production tricky. As they progress with tooling and development, Dbrand will gain better insights into pricing, ensuring it’s reflective of the high-quality craftsmanship involved.
And this is the part most people miss: The level of detail here isn’t just about looks—it’s about honoring the source material in a way that enhances the gaming experience. For beginners dipping into Valve’s lore, think of it as bringing a piece of the game’s world into your living room, making every gaming session feel like a step closer to escaping the testing facility.
When I playfully inquired—on a whim, mind you—whether Dbrand might extend this concept to a Nintendo Gamecube, Ijaz responded that it’s “possible.” He clarified that certain ideas, such as a GabeCube (a nod to Valve’s founder Gabe Newell) or even a microwave-themed skin, are better suited as simpler skins rather than full enclosures. Expect Dbrand to explore more of these creative skins as hardware like the Steam Machine nears its Q1 launch. Just to clear up any confusion, my question was about a Companion Cube skin for the Gamecube itself, not the other way around—his reply aligns perfectly with that intent.
To wrap things up, why stop at one tribute? Dbrand could innovate further by designing a skin that morphs the upcoming Steam Frame VR headset into the face of Gordon Freeman, the silent protagonist of Half-Life. Or how about one emblazoned with “HALF-LIFE 3 CONFIRMED” across the front glass of the headset or the top of the new Steam Controller? These are just fun ideas to ponder, blending fan service with potential product lines.
I’m Wes, a freelance writer who’s been chronicling the worlds of technology, gaming, and entertainment since 2020, with stints at outlets like Gizmodo, Tom’s Hardware, Hardcore Gamer, and The Verge. Inside me, there are two wolves: one that whispers it’d be fine to start amassing a collection of game consoles again, and another that howls in agreement, only louder.
Now, here’s the controversial bit: Is this enclosure a must-have for die-hard Portal fans, or is it a frivolous expense that prioritizes aesthetics over functionality? Do you think Valve approves of such deep dives into their IP, or could it spark legal debates? What other skins or enclosures would you love to see from Dbrand? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with this creative direction, or disagree? Let’s discuss!