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| dbrand is already selling a case for the Steam Machine. |
The iconic Portal-inspired enclosure brings a beloved gaming relic to life, but it comes at a premium price.
Valve's highly anticipated Steam Machine remains shrouded in mystery, with the company yet to announce an official release date or price point for its console-PC hybrid. But that hasn't stopped accessory manufacturer dbrand from charging ahead with one of the most creative peripherals we've seen in years. The company has officially launched pre-orders for its Companion Cube enclosure, a faithful recreation of the iconic weight-bearing cube from Valve's beloved Portal series, designed specifically to house the upcoming Steam Machine.
The timing couldn't be more curious. While Steam Machine enthusiasts are still waiting for concrete details from Valve, dbrand has seized the moment to offer something truly unique. The Companion Cube isn't just a case — it's a conversation piece that transforms the minimalist Steam Machine into an instantly recognizable piece of gaming history.
A Love Letter to Portal Fans
First introduced in 2007's Portal, the Companion Cube became an unexpected cultural phenomenon. Despite being an inanimate object, it captured the hearts of gamers worldwide, spawning countless memes, merchandise, and an enduring legacy that has persisted for nearly two decades. When Valve revealed the Steam Machine's design, fans immediately noticed the resemblance to the iconic cube geometry.
dbrand, known for its premium device skins and accessories, clearly saw an opportunity. The result is a meticulously crafted enclosure that completely encases the Steam Machine while maintaining full functionality.
The Companion Cube case features a modular design that prioritizes both aesthetics and practicality. The front panel attaches magnetically, allowing for easy removal when cleaning or accessing the device's interior. Cutouts for every ventilation point ensure that airflow remains unrestricted, addressing what could have been a significant concern with a full-shell enclosure.
Premium Materials, Premium Price
The case is constructed from a combination of polycarbonate and polyurethane materials, with specific color-matched panels that replicate the distinct pink, light gray, medium gray, and dark gray aesthetic of the original Companion Cube. The attention to detail extends to the inclusion of N52 neodymium magnets for the removable panels and M3 hex socket head cap screws secured with the included 2.5mm Allen key.
Early hands-on impressions suggest the build quality lives up to dbrand's reputation. The Steam Deck HQ team, who received an early unit for preview, described the case as "tougher than expected" while still being surprisingly lightweight at just over 1 kilogram.
"I couldn't be more excited for the Steam Machine," wrote Noah Kupetsky of SteamDeckHQ. "Seeing the Companion Cube in front of me just gets me very excited, and I can't wait for the announcement of the Steam Machine."
Two Editions, Two Price Tiers
dbrand is offering the Companion Cube in two distinct versions, catering to both collectors and budget-conscious consumers. The standard Companion Cube edition retails for $129.95 and includes the full case, a collector's box that doubles as a Test Chamber diorama, a Red Button stand, a cake-themed suede cloth, and an exclusive Test Chamber Steam Controller skin featuring the iconic orange and blue Portal color scheme.
For those willing to forgo the extras, the "Poverty Cube" edition is available at a more accessible price point of $99.95. This version includes just the cube itself, packaged in a plain cardboard box, with no controller skin or premium packaging. Both versions are available now for pre-order through dbrand's online store, with free shipping included.
It's worth noting that shipping timelines differ significantly between the two versions. The standard Companion Cube is scheduled to ship in late July, while the Poverty Cube won't ship until October. This staggered release strategy suggests that production capacity may be prioritized for the higher-margin premium version.
First Impressions: Bigger Than Expected, But Impressively Designed
Kupetsky's hands-on preview provides valuable insight into what buyers can expect. Despite having seen product photos, he noted that the case was "bigger than I expected" but emphasized that it "feels very high-quality." The assembly process is straightforward, with pegs on the bottom allowing air to flow through the device's intakes.
The removable front panel works seamlessly, though the porthole covers on the front require slightly more effort to remove — a design choice that Kupetsky appreciated for its sturdiness.
The included Steam Controller skin features a full front version and a separate option that only covers the bottom half, allowing users to customize the look while maintaining access to the trackpads. The skin's texture received positive marks, and the Portal-themed design perfectly complements the Companion Cube aesthetic.
"Seeing the Companion Cube in front of me just gets me very excited," Kupetsky wrote. "As soon as I have [the Steam Machine], I'll put out a full review of the case and how it is to use, but for now, I can say that it looks and feels great."
The Waiting Game
The biggest question surrounding the Companion Cube case is, naturally, the Steam Machine itself. Valve has confirmed that the console-PC hybrid will launch before the end of 2026, but specifics remain frustratingly elusive. Pricing, exact release date, and hardware specifications are all still unconfirmed.
This creates an interesting dynamic where dbrand is essentially asking consumers to purchase an accessory for a device that doesn't yet exist in retail form. The company is betting that Steam Machine excitement will translate into sales now, with the case arriving before the console itself.
For the most dedicated Portal fans and Steam Machine enthusiasts, the gamble may be worth it. The Companion Cube case is a limited edition product, and its unique design ensures it will likely become a collector's item regardless of the Steam Machine's eventual success.
For those still on the fence, the case's thoughtful engineering — including reversible rubber feet that provide two height profiles for improved airflow, hidden front I/O covers, and unobstructed rear connections — suggests that dbrand has put genuine thought into making this more than just a novelty item.
Is It Worth It?
At nearly $130 for the full package, the Companion Cube case isn't an impulse purchase. It's squarely aimed at dedicated fans who want to celebrate their love for Portal while protecting their upcoming Steam Machine investment. The Poverty Cube, at $100, offers a more affordable entry point, though the delayed shipping and lack of extras may make it less appealing to those who want the complete experience.
Ultimately, the Companion Cube case succeeds at its primary goal: it's a beautifully crafted, meticulously detailed piece of gaming memorabilia that happens to function as a protective case. Whether that's worth the premium price tag is a decision that each buyer will need to make for themselves.
One thing is certain: when the Steam Machine finally arrives, it will be a much more distinctive piece of hardware for those who opted to embrace their inner GLaDOS and pre-order the Companion Cube.
For more on the Steam Machine and the latest gaming news, check out the full coverage at SteamDeckHQ.
Disclosure: The author has no affiliation with dbrand or Valve. Product samples were provided to SteamDeckHQ for review purposes.
Source : dbrand| SteamDeckHQ
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| Poverty Cube |
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| Companion Cube |