Ethan Crossfield 
Modular hardware has become a defining trend in PC gaming—so when Valve’s Steam Machine embraced a console-like interface with swappable plates, fans immediately started customizing. Now, one creator has revived a Portal-inspired look by publishing free build files to turn a Steam Machine into a Companion Cube.
A Portal-themed case returns—this time as free DIY instructions
A Steam Machine owner named Jaron has uploaded schematics and assembly guidance on Printables for a Portal-inspired Companion Cube makeover. The project is designed to let fans create their own plate set and enclosure components at home, rather than buying a finished product.
Jaron isn’t selling STL files or complete enclosures. Instead, the download package includes printable components, a parts list, written assembly steps, and supporting instructional videos. The project is explicitly fan-made, not an official Valve product.
Two design options are available: a Weighted Companion Cube version featuring Portal’s heart symbol, and a standard Weighted Storage Cube version that uses the Aperture Science logo. Those choices give Steam Machine owners multiple ways to match the aesthetic they want—without needing to wait for an official launch.
Why this matters: Steam Machines were built for swapping plates
The Steam Machine’s appeal isn’t only its SteamOS-driven, console-like interface—it also supports customization through plate swaps. That modular approach is what previously attracted third-party accessory maker dBrand to the idea of a Companion Cube enclosure.
dBrand had announced a Portal-themed case specifically intended to leverage the Steam Machine’s swappable plates. The concept drew significant community interest, with more than 15,000 registrations on its first day and strong momentum heading into preorders. However, the commercial product was later scrapped after dBrand reportedly developed and sold the case without permission to use Valve’s Portal intellectual property.
With fans left without an easy way to buy that design, Jaron’s free project effectively fills the gap—though it does so through build-your-own instructions instead of an off-the-shelf purchase.
What the build actually requires (and the trade-offs)
Jaron’s instructions indicate the project is more involved than a simple “print and slide in” job. The build includes magnets, screws, superglue, a soldering iron, and multiple filament colors, alongside additional materials and tools.
Cooling and airflow are also addressed. The guidance notes the back should remain open so the Steam Machine’s fan and rear connections aren’t blocked. The Aperture Science logo is hollowed out to create additional airflow openings, and Jaron has reportedly reassured the community that the GPU and CPU remain in the low-60-degree range under load.
Still, the DIY approach comes with real risks for less experienced builders. Printed results can vary based on printer quality, filament choice, settings, and assembly workmanship. For players who want a clean, reliable custom accessory without the tinkering, that complexity may be a dealbreaker.
Even so, the enthusiastic response around the project suggests the Companion Cube concept remains one of the most compelling customization ideas for the Steam Machine platform—especially now that the files are freely available.
Key points
- Jaron has published free Portal-inspired Companion Cube build files for Steam Machine owners on Printables.
- The package includes printable components, a parts list, written steps, and instructional videos (no finished enclosures are sold).
- Build complexity is high, with magnets, screws, adhesives, soldering, and multiple filament colors listed in the instructions.
- Airflow guidance is included, and Jaron claims low-60-degree GPU/CPU temps under load while the back and vents remain unobstructed.
| Project | What’s offered | Portal tie-in |
|---|---|---|
| dBrand Companion Cube enclosure (commercial) | A product was developed and sold, then scrapped | Portal-themed design intended for swappable plates |
| Jaron DIY Companion Cube (fan project) | Free schematics, printable components, and assembly instructions | Weighted Companion Cube with Portal heart or Weighted Storage Cube with Aperture Science logo |
Expert View
This story highlights how quickly mod-friendly console-like PCs can turn into customization ecosystems—especially when official accessory paths stall. dBrand’s Companion Cube effort reportedly ran into intellectual property issues, but the community’s follow-through shows that demand doesn’t disappear; it just changes form. For the broader market, it’s a reminder that modular hardware plus strong franchise aesthetics can sustain long-tail interest—while also raising the bar for creators who want commercial outcomes without legal friction.
