Steam Machine Case CAD Files Released By Valve, But Watch That Warranty

In a very typical Valve move, Steam Machine customisation has been handed to the players thanks to the release of CAD files for the console on GitHub.

This lets people create their own faceplates for the machine, using official designs, so the plates and accessories you create will fit exactly (thanks, Digital Foundry).

The file in question has been released under a Creative Commons "Attribution-NonCommercial-Sharealike 4.0 International" license, which means you can create these parts as long as they aren't sold commercially.

Valve also notes that modifying your machine in such a way voids your warranty. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I guess?

This is positive for us consumers, as external modifications have been proposed by other external companies, such as the dbrand Companion Cube, but in a limited selection (even more so after the takedown of said dbrand skin for copyright infringement) and at a high price.

The availability of this CAD file as a cheap alternative to the inevitably pricey skins and faceplates made by third parties could potentially see someone making a GameCube-style carry handle mod for the Steam Machine, as Digital Foundry notes. Yes please!