Dbrand Unveils Steam Deck Companion Cube Case
▼ Summary
– Dbrand is creating a full Companion Cube enclosure for the Steam Machine, not just a skin, as confirmed by CEO Adam Ijaz.
– The company is currently registering interest and plans to bring the product to market in early 2026, with details being refined over the coming month.
– The enclosure requires extensive custom engineering and finishing work, including precise dimensional geometry and detailed paint application for weathering effects.
– Dbrand may explore more concepts like skins for other hardware, such as a GabeCube or microwave, as the Steam Machine launch approaches in Q1.
– Pricing for the Companion Cube enclosure is not yet finalized, as the company is still early in development and needs to advance in tooling to determine costs.
Dbrand is taking its love for Portal to the next level, creating a full Companion Cube enclosure for the Steam Deck rather than just a simple adhesive skin. Many fans expected a skin, but the company confirmed it’s developing a complete protective shell modeled after the iconic weighted cube from the game. According to Dbrand CEO Adam Ijaz, the enclosure is fully viable despite the Steam Deck’s removable faceplate and air intake needs. He noted that the team will refine details over the next month and plans to launch the product in early 2026.
Interested customers can join a mailing list on Dbrand’s website to receive updates about the enclosure’s availability. Ijaz emphasized that the project is still in early development, with significant custom engineering and finishing work required. Achieving the correct dimensional geometry, such as the jutted-out bumper corners and proper topography, is just one part of the process. The enclosure’s weathered appearance and panel wear effects will likely involve fine paint application and detailing techniques that go beyond typical mass production.
When asked about pricing, Ijaz explained that the company needs to advance further into tooling and development before settling on a final cost. In a follow-up email, he also addressed whether Dbrand would produce a similar enclosure for the Nintendo GameCube, clarifying that some concepts, like a “GabeCube” or a microwave, work better as skins rather than full enclosures. He added that Dbrand intends to explore more themed concepts as the Steam Deck hardware approaches its Q1 launch.
Looking ahead, some have suggested other playful designs Dbrand could pursue, such as a Steam Deck skin resembling Gordon Freeman’s face or one boldly stating “HALF-LIFE 3 CONFIRMED” across the front. While these are just speculative ideas, they highlight the creative potential for customizing Valve’s popular handheld.
(Source: IGN)
