Valve has quietly released the complete design package for a custom e-ink faceplate for the recently launched Steam Machine, opening the door for users to fabricate their own dynamic front panels at home. The company published the full project on GitHub just days after the hardware debuted, providing enthusiasts with everything required to build the accessory from scratch.
A full build kit in the open
The repository contains 3D-printable CAD files for the faceplate housing, a comprehensive bill of materials listing all necessary hardware components, and detailed assembly guides offered in both PDF and video formats. It also includes the firmware, software setup documentation, and step-by-step instructions for flashing the firmware onto a supported ESP32 board once the physical assembly is complete. Valve first demonstrated this e-ink concept during its Steam hardware unveiling last year, though at the time it was shown only as an experimental prototype with no confirmed release timeline.
Connectivity and on-device features
Once the faceplate is assembled and powered on, users will be able to connect it to the Steam Machine over Bluetooth. From there, the e-ink display can be configured to present real-time hardware performance statistics, custom static images, or other user-selected content. For software control, Valve states that an official Steam application is planned for a future release. In the interim, users can compile their own AppImage by following the build instructions provided in the GitHub documentation, ensuring the faceplate remains functional while the first-party app is still in development.
A growing customization ecosystem
The Steam Machine’s easily swappable front plate has already become a focal point for third-party creativity, with several manufacturers introducing custom designs in the first days after launch. Valve’s decision to publish an official e-ink blueprint adds a maker-focused dimension to that ecosystem, giving users the means to produce a display-enabled panel using their own 3D printer. The move reflects a broader push by hardware makers to supply open reference designs for community-driven customization, a trend that has been gaining traction across handheld and modular computing devices over the past year.
Sources: gitlab.steamos.cloud, x.com