What’s Happening?
Valve’s new Steam Machine was first unveiled back in November 2025, and after a decade-plus of fits and starts, the company is finally serious about taking on PlayStation and Xbox in the living room. The console itself is a compact 6-inch cube that packs PC-level gaming power into a console-friendly form factor. It runs SteamOS and can play thousands of PC games right out of the box — no Windows license needed.
Now, Dbrand has stepped in to give it a personality makeover. The limited-edition Companion Cube skin turns the Steam Machine into a near-exact replica of the iconic Portal companion cube. CEO Adam Ijaz confirmed to The Verge that the Cube is a shell that attaches to the Steam Machine’s own chassis, carefully designed not to block any air intakes or the rear exhaust port.
Dbrand Companion Cube — Key Specs
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Product | Dbrand Companion Cube (Steam Machine Shell) |
| Price | $129.95 (Standard) / $99.95 (Poverty Cube) |
| Release | Ships late July 2026 (Standard) / October 2026 (Poverty Cube) |
| Included | Companion Cube chassis + themed accessories |
| Poverty Cube | Chassis only — save $30, but ships later |
Why This Matters for PC Gamers
The Steam Machine is shaping up to be a pivotal piece of hardware in 2026. Unlike the failed 2015 launch, Valve is doing it right this time. They’ve spent a decade building SteamOS into a legitimate gaming platform with Proton compatibility, enabling thousands of Windows games to run seamlessly on Linux.
The Dbrand Companion Cube preorder signals that third-party support is already here, even before the console officially ships. If Dbrand is this confident, it’s a good sign for the ecosystem.
Ijaz also teased that Dbrand is developing GameCube and Minecraft block skins for the hardware — calling the Steam Machine “an outstanding canvas for creativity.”
Pricing Breakdown
- Standard Companion Cube: $129.95 — includes the themed chassis plus bonus goodies, shipping late July
- Poverty Cube: $99.95 — chassis only, shipping October 2026
Both options are available for preorder on Dbrand’s site now. If you’re a Portal fan or just want the coolest-looking console on your shelf, this is a no-brainer.
FAQ
Will the Companion Cube fit all Steam Machine models?
Yes — Dbrand designed it as a shell that attaches to the official Steam Machine chassis. It’s a one-size-fits-all fit for Valve’s console.
Does the Companion Cube affect cooling?
No. Dbrand explicitly designed it to avoid blocking any air intakes or the rear exhaust. The Steam Machine’s thermal performance should remain unaffected.
When does the Steam Machine actually launch?
Valve has targeted early 2026. As of June 2026, an exact date hasn’t been announced, but the Companion Cube shell shipping in late July suggests a summer launch window.
Can I buy the Poverty Cube instead?
Yes — the $99.95 “Poverty Cube” gives you the same chassis without the extra goodies, though it won’t ship until October 2026.
Final Verdict
🔥 Score: 9/10 — This is a must-have for Portal fans and anyone planning to pick up the new Steam Machine.
| ✅ Buy it if… | ❌ Skip it if… |
|---|---|
| You’re getting the Steam Machine | You don’t care about aesthetics |
| You’re a Portal fan | $130 feels steep for a shell |
| You want the coolest console on your shelf | You’re fine with the stock look |
The Companion Cube is more than just a skin — it’s a statement. Dbrand is betting big on the Steam Machine’s success, and honestly, we’re here for it.
👉 Preorder the Dbrand Companion Cube →
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases. This article is based on reporting from The Verge and Dbrand’s official announcement.
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