A few weeks ago, dbrand revealed that it would not be releasing its planned Companion Cube case for the Steam Machine after failing to obtain permission from Valve. While that accessory is no longer happening, the company has returned with something new. dbrand has officially announced a large collection of skins designed specifically for the Steam Machine.

The new lineup includes nine exclusive designs created for Valve’s gaming PC. These include Basketbox, Terminal, Flat Earth, Bricks, Black Dice, White Dice, Package, Orange Box, and Touch Grass. Each skin has its own unique appearance, and those who also own the Steam Controller can purchase matching skins to give both devices a consistent look.

The company couldn’t help itself from throwing in a couple of Valve references in there after failing to secure the Portal design. ‘Orange Box’ feels like a clear reference to Valve’s Source game collection from 2007, while the cardboard-style ‘Package’ design makes a direct reference to a certain B. Calhoun (Barney Calhoun from the Half-Life series).

More exclusive skins for the Steam Machine

Alongside these new Steam Machine-exclusive options, dbrand is also bringing several of its existing skin collections to the platform. This includes some of the company’s well-known textured finishes and the return of its Pastel color collection, giving users plenty of choices if they prefer a simpler design.

Customers can choose from three different packages depending on how much of the device they want to customize. The Essential Kit covers only the front faceplate, while the Deluxe Kit wraps the entire Steam Machine. Those looking for a complete matching setup can opt for the Everything Kit, which includes skins for both the Steam Machine and the Steam Controller.

According to dbrand, every Steam Machine skin is manufactured using high-precision industrial cutting machines that are capable of cutting materials with extremely tight tolerances. The company says this allows each skin to fit the hardware accurately without requiring trimming or adjustments during installation.

Beyond appearance, the skins are also designed to improve the feel of the device. dbrand says the textured finish gives the Steam Machine a more premium feel while remaining comfortable to hold and use. At the same time, the skins provide an extra layer of protection against everyday scratches and minor cosmetic damage, helping users keep their hardware looking newer for longer. That said, dbrand has confirmed that pre-orders are now open and the skins will start shipping in late August. 

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.