Fans design Steam Machine concepts from practical to bizarre – with keyboards, spheres, and DVD drives
Following the announcement of the new Steam Machine in November 2025, Valve fans actively imagined alternative versions of the compact gaming PC. The community created dozens of concepts – from feasible modifications to totally absurd yet entertaining ideas.
Valve presented Steam Machine as a minimalist black cube measuring 15 centimeters with magnetic swappable front panels. The official version looks strict and laconic, but this doesn't stop creative enthusiasts who share their visions of the device on Reddit and other social networks.
Among the concepts, a version with detachable controllers on the sides of the case stands out – a hybrid between Steam Machine and a portable gamepad, resembling Nintendo Switch but in cube form. Playing on such a device would clearly be uncomfortable.
An alternative idea – Steam Machine with a built-in screen on the front panel displaying the full Steam interface. While technically this solution appears difficult to implement due to power consumption and cost, the concept makes sense for those who enjoy displaying useful information or dynamically customizing the panel's appearance.
A concept with a wireless keyboard docking to the front of Steam Machine and an optical drive in the base appeared – an obvious nod to classic desktop PCs from the 2000s. Such a configuration would transform the mini-PC into a full workstation, but again, the size is too small for comfortable use.
Among the wild ideas, a spherical Steam Machine version stands out – a black sphere on a platform with ports, resembling a futuristic projector or smart speaker. The concept ignores the practicality of cooling and component layout for aesthetics, but looks impressive.
Another concept demonstrates a Steam Controller charging directly on the Steam Machine's front panel through an integrated docking station – a convenient and logical solution that could benefit the official version.
An additional version with a USB DVD drive at the bottom could help those who still have a collection of games on discs.
The simplest version – an additional bottom section with USB ports for those who still use them.
Dbrand and Jsaux already work on official skins and replacement panels for Steam Machine, including variants with E-ink displays for showing system information.
The device release is scheduled for early 2026, so it will soon become clear how much fan concepts influence the actual accessories market.