dbrand has launched a complete collection of protective skins for Valve’s Steam Machine and its accompanying Steam Controller, moving quickly after the abrupt cancellation of its Portal-inspired Companion Cube case earlier this month. The new product line includes a total of 51 distinct designs spanning the Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Deck.
A prompt pivot after legal pushback
The rollout arrives just weeks after Valve issued a cease-and-desist notice that forced dbrand to withdraw the unlicensed Companion Cube case. In its announcement on X, dbrand leaned into the episode with characteristic irony, presenting the new skins as fully compliant alternatives now that the Portal-themed accessory is no longer available. The company confirmed that shipping for the new skins is scheduled to begin in late August.
Designs rooted in Valve nostalgia
Of the 51 designs, nine were developed specifically for the Steam Machine and ship with matching Steam Controller skins. These bespoke options carry names such as Basketbox, Terminal, Flat Earth, Bricks, both Dice colorways, Package, Orange Box, and Touch Grass. The remaining designs are drawn from dbrand’s existing catalog. Several of the new creations incorporate visual cues that echo Valve’s design language, offering a subtle nod to the company’s heritage without crossing into unlicensed branding territory.
Recovering from a record-breaking setback
The Companion Cube case, which dbrand described as the second-fastest-selling product in its 15-year history, was pulled from the market after Valve objected to its unauthorized use of Portal intellectual property. Rather than letting the setback stall momentum, dbrand has redirected focus toward its broader Steam Machine accessory ecosystem, widening the range of officially tolerated customization options for Valve’s hardware lineup.
Sources: x.com, dbrand.com