Valve’s new Steam Machine was announced last week, and gamers around the world can’t wait to get their hands on one. The cube-shaped design has already inspired a Companion Cube model, and another interesting feature is that you can swap out the front panel for something custom – Valve has already previewed a few designs on its official store page.

JSAUX is one brand preparing for launch in early 2026, as they’re asking users what type of custom front panel they would like for the Steam Machine. There are a few designs to choose from, all based around having some kind of display on the front panel.

What kind of display should be on the front of the Steam Machine?

Gaming accessory brand JSAUX is well-known for its work in the handheld space. They’ve created a thread on their official subreddit, revealing that they’re working on accessories for the Steam Machine and will let users decide the final design. A poll is currently live for users to vote on, featuring three front-panel display styles: E-Ink, LCD, and Dot Matrix.

Each display type comes with its own look, its own strengths, and its own downsides. E-Ink is the cleanest and most minimal. It looks sharp, uses very little power, and stays visible even in bright light. The downside is the slow refresh speed. It cannot handle quick animations or fast updates, so it works best for static info like logos, battery icons, or simple system stats.

LCD gives you the most modern and flexible look. It can handle animations, smooth transitions, and full-color designs. It is bright and works well if you want your front panel to feel like a tiny screen. While JSAUX mentions that the LCD panel would be a “battery killer,” it won’t be an issue for the Steam Machine since it doesn’t run on battery. However, it could cost more due to the display type and the extra work needed to integrate it.

Dot Matrix sits between the other two options. It has a retro look, with blocky pixels that feel old-school in a fun way. It uses very little power and is easy to run, so it will likely be one of the cheaper choices. But it is also the most niche option. The resolution is low, and it cannot show detailed images or smooth animations.

In another update posted on Reddit, JSAUX asked users to choose between the Ink or Pixels panel. This seems to suggest that they’ve dropped the LCD option, but we’ll wait for a final result first, regardless. JSAUX has not shared the price of these panels or exactly when they will launch just yet, but we expect them to release alongside the Steam Machine in early 2026.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

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