It only makes sense for the new Steam Machine to get a Companion Cube skin. Perhaps Valve went with a cube design for this very reason – or at least it was at the back of its mind. The new home console promises to have “over six times the horsepower of Steam Deck” and officially brings SteamOS to another Valve system.

This Portal-themed skin comes from the popular tech accessory company dbrand, and is set for release in 2026, presumably around the same time as the Steam Machine’s launch. Valve hasn’t set an exact date just yet, only revealing that its new hardware is “shipping in 2026”.

Steam Machine transformed into Portal Companion Cube

The Companion Cube is one of the symbols of the Portal series, and has become a popular character of its own – if you can call it that. We’ve seen it appear in a handful of other media, including games like Terraria, Death Stranding, Apex Legends, and Valve’s very own Dota 2 as a cosmetic for support hero Io. It’s been nearly two decades since Valve released the original Portal game, and it remains an iconic part of gaming culture.

Valve has already shown some lighter customization on the Steam Machine, including the sticker-style panel (pictured above) and a wood-textured front panel. From what we can see of the Companion Cube from dbrand, the limited-edition model looks a little bit bulkier – rather than just a spray-paint job or a vinyl wrap.

You may remember that this isn’t the first time Valve has created a ‘console’ of its own, though it’s probably best to call it a mini PC. Steam Machines were a thing in the past, but now it’s back and better than ever, especially given all the years of SteamOS development, which the success of the Steam Deck handheld has helped drive.

In case you missed it, Valve has announced three new pieces of hardware. Aside from the Steam Machine, there’s also the new Steam Frame VR headset and long-awaited successor to the Steam Controller.

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.