There’s still some time to wait until the Steam Machine release date, which is set for early 2026. However, that hasn’t stopped excited fans from gearing up for launch. We’ve already seen someone make a 1:1 replica with 3D printing, and now there’s some custom-made content on the software side of things – a GameCube-inspired startup movie.

If you didn’t already know, SteamOS, the operating system that the Steam Machine ships with, boots into a startup movie. These startup movies are also viewable when entering Big Picture Mode on any device. Anyone with a Steam Deck will be familiar, and the feature is customizable (this includes official game startup movies you can spend your Steam Points on).

Steam Machine gets GameCube-style intro

The so-called ‘GabeCube’ is an obvious copy of the iconic GameCube startup, while referencing Valve President, CEO, and co-founder Gabe Newell. The movie that plays when you boot up the 2001 Nintendo console has been parodied more times than we care to keep count of, so this is yet another rendition to add to the list. Steam Machine’s cube-shaped design has already earned some mileage with the announcement of a Companion Cube model from dbrand.

You can download two versions of this custom SteamOS intro below, along with instructions on how to install it on your SteamOS device. One version replaces the cube with a Steam Machine, while the other sticks to the original Gamecube ‘G’ logo, albeit in orange. Additionally, the iconic Valve theme musical sting is mixed in at the end of the animation. This Reddit post shows how it looks on the Steam Deck; the Steam Machine should follow a similar procedure for installation.

• GabeCube startup video (with Steam Machine)
• GabeCube startup video (with original G logo)

It didn’t take fans long to produce this neat little startup movie, and we’re sure that there are many more to come. Another device shipping with SteamOS early next year is the Steam Frame, Valve’s next VR headset, and we like to imagine that startup movies like this also work in VR.

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.