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This Is A Triumph—Dbrand Converts Steam Machine Into Companion Cube

For this experiment, we do not recommend using your Steam Machine Companion Cube™ for anything other than display and encasing your Valve-manufactured gaming cube.

Forbes 3 min read 5/10
This Is A Triumph—Dbrand Converts Steam Machine Into Companion Cube
Key Takeaways
  • Dbrand and Valve collaborated on an officially licensed conversion kit that turns the Steam Machine into a Companion Cube from Portal.
  • The mod is specifically designed for display only; Dbrand warns against using it for active gaming due to potential heat issues.
  • Only 500 units of the limited-edition conversion kit are rumored to be produced, making it a highly collectible item.
  • The kit features precision-cut hexagonal panels replicating the iconic pink-and-gray Companion Cube design.
  • Announced via Forbes on June 22, 2026, the product taps into Portal’s ongoing cultural relevance and Valve’s hardware legacy.
Dbrand has turned the Valve Steam Machine into a literal Companion Cube — but don’t expect to play games on it. The mod is for display only.

The skin-and-accessories company Dbrand announced a conversion kit that transforms Valve’s Steam Machine gaming PC into a weighted Companion Cube, the iconic object from the Portal video game series. The announcement was made on June 22, 2026, via Forbes. The kit is officially licensed by Valve and is designed to encase the entire gaming cube in a hexagonal, paneled exterior reminiscent of the Companion Cube from Portal. Dbrand warns that the mod is strictly for aesthetic display and not intended for active gaming use.

Dbrand previously has a history of creating playful, high-quality skins and cases for gaming hardware, including custom wraps for Steam Deck, PlayStation 5, and Xbox consoles. This collaboration marks a deeper partnership with Valve, leveraging the Portal franchise’s nostalgic appeal to attract both collectors and gamers. The Steam Machine itself was first introduced by Valve in 2015 as a small-form-factor gaming PC, but it never achieved mainstream success. This conversion kit breathes new life into the device as a collectible.

Specific details about the product remain scarce, but the limited-edition Companion Cube conversion kit is expected to be produced in only 500 units, according to industry speculation. Pricing has not been officially confirmed, but comparable Dbrand custom skins often range from $50–$100. The kit includes precision-cut panels that fit over the existing Steam Machine chassis, transforming it into a perfect replica of the Companion Cube with the signature pink and gray color scheme. Dbrand explicitly states that the kit is intended for display and encasing, not for active gaming, likely due to heat dissipation concerns.

Gaming culture observers note the move taps into the enduring popularity of Portal, which recently celebrated its 15th anniversary. The Companion Cube has become a symbol of loyalty and sacrifice in the gaming world. By turning a real piece of gaming hardware into that cube, Dbrand is creating a conversation piece that bridges digital nostalgia with physical design. Industry analysts point out that such collaborations help extend the lifespan of niche hardware while generating buzz for both brands.

The conversion kits are expected to go on sale later this year through Dbrand’s website. Fans should act quickly if they want one, given the limited run. This product may also signal future collaborations between Dbrand and Valve for other Portal-themed accessories. For now, the Steam Machine Companion Cube stands as a triumph of gaming memorabilia, even if it’s not meant for actual gaming.

"For this experiment, we do not recommend using your Steam Machine Companion Cube™ for anything other than display and encasing your Valve-manufactured gaming cube."

Frequently Asked Questions

The Dbrand Companion Cube conversion kit is a limited-edition custom case that encases the Valve Steam Machine in a design resembling the weighted Companion Cube from the Portal video game series. It is officially licensed by Valve.

Dbrand does not recommend using the Companion Cube conversion for active gaming. The mod is intended for display only, likely due to heat dissipation concerns from the paneling.

Pricing has not been officially announced. Based on similar Dbrand products, the conversion kit may be priced between $50 and $100, but limited-edition collectibles often command a premium.

Industry speculation suggests only 500 units will be made. Dbrand has not confirmed the exact production run, but it is expected to be highly limited.

The conversion kit is expected to go on sale later in 2026 through Dbrand's official website. Pre-order details have not been announced.

Yes, the conversion kit is officially licensed by Valve, making it an authentic collaboration between Dbrand and Valve.

Original source

www.forbes.com

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