Valve isn’t making any official Companion Cube-style cases for the Steam Machine, so fans have taken it into their own hands to build custom models. We’ve already seen accessory brand dbrand take a shot at Portal-themed skins for the cubed mini PC, but the project was canceled, and pre-orders were refunded after Valve stepped in (it turned out dbrand never asked for permission).

Props_menu has decided to produce its own versions, in Portal 1 and Portal 2 styling. They’re 3D-printed models with simple installation, and come with a free sticker pack. The pack includes an Aperture Laboratories logo and the recognizable orange/blue Portal iconography. Alongside the Companion Cube, Props_menu is also selling alternative ‘Aperture Blue’ variants.

Portal cube cases for the Steam Machine from Props_menu

All variations come with the same price tag, whether you want the pink Companion Cube style or Aperture Blue (which is the bog-standard cube found in test chambers, officially called the Aperture Science Weighted Storage Cube). The team said it “worked closely with thermal engineers” to ensure the case doesn’t hinder the Steam Machine’s airflow.

• Steam Machine Companion Cube Case, Portal 1 Style – $74.98
• Steam Machine Companion Cube Case, Portal 2 Style – $74.98

Props_menu is described as “A fan-run, unofficial Valve store,” and they make a whole bunch of replica models. Alongside Portal, the brand also covers the Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike, and Half-Life franchises, as well as a couple of generic ‘Source Engine’ models, featuring the famous red ‘ERROR’ sign that anyone who has played Garry’s Mod is probably familiar with.

The company says its products “are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or licensed by Valve Corporation or any other game publisher,” but they continue to sell the other replicas without issues, so we’ll have to see how this pans out, given what happened to dbrand. Props_menu has a wide range of Portal gear, including Companion Cube models (lamps, keychains, etc.), a talking GLaDOS potato, and the iconic Portal radio.

If you’re looking for more Steam Machine accessories, the store also has a neat Valve Faceplate for $34.98, featuring the iconic red valve seen across the company’s games’ intro movies, typically attached to the back of a bald man’s head, for whatever reason. For something a little more technically advanced, we’d recommend checking out JSAUX’s upcoming display faceplates.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.