Valve’s second attempt at creating a console-like gaming PC for your living room is expected to be a gaming triumph, with or without fun accessories. But if you really want to give the Steam Machine something extra special when it arrives in early 2026, consider outfitting it with Dbrand leather.
It pays homage to the iconic Weighted Companion Cube from Valve’s popular Portal series, and the design is so fitting that I wonder if the company is upset that it hasn’t developed something similar for its compact cube PC. Placing your steam engine on top will obviously make it stick out from other consoles on your TV, which will have the opposite effect of the standard design. Although it has a customizable front panel and LED light strip, the standard all-black color scheme could hardly be less eye-catching.
In case you missed yesterday’s announcement, the Steam Machine is a Linux-based mini PC that runs SteamOS and connects to your TV like a console. According to Valve, it’s about six times more powerful than steam deck and supports 4K/60fps gaming with FSR. You can also use it to stream VR games to the new Stream Frame headset, while the Steam Controller with its signature trackpads lets you play your Steam games wirelessly.
Since we still don’t have a release date or price for the Steam Machine, we don’t know yet for the Dbrand accessories either, but they’re coming in 2026. And I’m pretty sure that’s not a lie…