Key Takeaways
1. Valve is launching the Steam Machine, and a fan-made accessory called the “Companion Gabecube” will be available for free as a 3D-printable design.
2. The Gabecube is a protective sleeve designed by “Ellanas” that features a heart-lit front panel and is compatible with Bambu Lab printers.
3. Community feedback on the Gabecube has been positive, with the designer confirming the 3D files will be free and encouraging users to print their own.
4. Concerns about temperature management were raised, but the design includes vents for airflow.
5. The success of the Gabecube could lead to a variety of community-created accessories for the Steam Machine, fostering a vibrant design community.
Valve is entering a new project called the Steam Machine, and there’s exciting news about a fan-created accessory known as the “Companion Gabecube.” This is a 3D-printed sleeve that fits the console, featuring the beloved Companion Cube design from Portal. Best of all, it will be available as a free download. Another company, Dbrand, has also hinted at a similar companion cube skin, but that one is expected to launch in 2026, at the same time as the Steam Machine. This new accessory is quicker to arrive, and if you have a 3D printer, you can get the files at no charge.
Unique Design
The Gabecube, crafted by MakerWorld creator “Ellanas,” fits around the Steam Machine like a protective shell. It cleverly turns Valve’s compact PC into a floating tribute to the Companion Cube. The listing on MakerWorld showcases a multi-part print made from PETG that features a heart-lit front panel, detailed corners, and a cut-out in the back for airflow. There’s also a dedicated print profile designed for Bambu Lab printers, and the P1S model is currently priced at $449 on Amazon.
Community Feedback
In a Reddit discussion, the designer made it clear that the Gabecube won’t be sold for profit. As noted earlier, the 3D files will be available for free after confirming that they fit properly. The designer encouraged those with 3D printers to download the files and create their own cases easily.
The excitement surrounding the Steam Machine has led to a surge of interest, as the Reddit post quickly gained over two thousand upvotes and numerous comments. The idea clearly strikes a chord with Valve’s PC gaming fans. While many praised the concept, some raised concerns about the potential effect on temperature management. Users were curious about cooling solutions, to which the designer responded that the back is open and the top and sides have vents, although actual performance will be determined by those first to try it out.
Future Prospects
If early projects like this one catch on, Valve’s new device could see a vibrant community of printable cases, docks, and mounts thriving around it—all without Valve needing to create any of these accessories themselves. You can check out some of the best community designs for the Steam Machine by following this link.
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