Steam Machine custom faceplate with 1080p display looks like a retro CRT monitor, now available for pre-order

Sticking a display on the front of your Steam Machine has become one of the best ways of customizing Valve’s cubed mini PC. We’ve already seen JSAUX do it with its E-Ink and Pixel Matrix panels for displaying widgets such as a clock, game playtime, system metrics, and custom image/gifs, but Sakura Retromodding is taking it further with a display you could actually game on.

Introducing the Steam Machine Retro PVM Faceplate, which mimics a Sony Trinitron PVM (Professional Video Monitor) – the type of CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display used by the likes of broadcast stations, editing suites, and medical professionals. In other words, not your regular consumer CRT TV. For this mod, however, Sakura Retromodding is using an LCD that mimics the effect.

Limited stock available for the Retro PVM Faceplate

SakuraRetroModding has the Retro PVM Faceplate available for pre-order on their Etsy store, and it isn’t cheap. The “Plug & Play” faceplate will set you back $299.00 USD, and while the modder is based in France, there seems to be a wide range of free shipping options. In the UK and Europe, the panel costs £235.50 / €281.70 with taxes included (this may differ per country).

At the time of writing, there are only two left in stock, and the custom faceplate is in more than 20 customers’ baskets, so we can’t expect it to stay available for much longer. The modder describes it as “a personal passion project, created by a retro gamer for fellow retro gaming enthusiasts,” and some preparation time should be expected for those pre-ordering. The currently listed shipping date is January 2027.

Transform your Steam Machine into a miniature retro PVM monitor with this handmade, removable faceplate featuring a real Full HD 1080p screen and Stereo sound speakers!

Inspired by the legendary PVM and professional CRT monitors of the retro gaming era, this custom Steam Machine mod combines vintage gaming aesthetics with modern technology.

Source: Etsy

SakuraRetroModding says they “absolutely fell in love with” their Steam Machine and decided to create something special for it. The modder has a rich history of custom gear for handheld devices, particularly AYN, as well as controllers (including custom PlayStation-style buttons) for Valve’s second-generation Steam Controller.

Written by

Jack Goodall

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

More from Jack →