Valve Orders Dbrand to Stop Selling Portal Companion Cube Steam Case, Refunds Announced

Valve has sent a cease-and-desist notice to third-party maker Dbrand, demanding it stop selling a Steam Machine accessory case themed around Portal’s Companion Cube. Valve’s move also means that buyers who already purchased the case are set to receive full refunds.

The Steam Machine itself remains one of the most talked-about hardware releases of the year, largely because Valve positioned it as a major leap for the living-room PC crowd. The console is designed to run any game compatible with the Steam Deck at launch, with Valve aiming to simplify how players check compatibility over time. Performance is being marketed as being on par with both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X-class hardware, powered by Valve’s own SteamOS. Against that backdrop, a legal takedown aimed at a popular third-party case is a reminder that even the most enthusiast-friendly platforms can trigger IP and licensing friction.

And while the Steam Machine’s price tag is likely to push some players away, it’s still framed by many as a more flexible purchase than a traditional console—especially for people who want their library to follow them between living room and desk.

Dbrand Ordered to Take Down Portal Steam Machine Case

Dbrand has confirmed it removed its Steam Machine case based on the Companion Cube. The company says it delisted the product and took down all references to the case from both its social channels and its website after contact from Valve’s legal team.

In its statement, Dbrand said it hadn’t secured the correct licensing to use the Companion Cube artwork/design. The company is also offering full refunds to customers who already bought the Companion Cube-themed case, which Dbrand initially revealed shortly after the Steam Machine announcement.

Dbrand claims it reached out to Valve’s legal team to ask whether a license could be obtained in the future. Valve reportedly declined that possibility.

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Dbrand said it regrets how it handled the Steam Machine case, arguing that the company “built first and asked permission later.” It added that it expects to “regret that decision for a very long time,” while also acknowledging that Valve was acting within its rights to require the takedown.

According to Dbrand’s update, refunds are expected to be processed by the end of the day on June 29. The company also stated that it was “losing $99” for each Steam Machine case sold. Dbrand’s Poverty Cube case is described as becoming the second-fastest-selling item in the storefront’s history—outpacing products such as Colormatched Joy-Con 2 skins, and finishing only behind the Killswitch Switch 2 case.

The Steam Machine’s debut has already been a flashpoint, especially because of its launch pricing. Valve confirmed that the console will cost $1,049 at launch for the 512 GB model—an obvious jump over what players are paying for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The expected limited availability has reportedly made the Steam Machine a target for scalpers before many buyers have even secured preorders, with reserved units reportedly being resold for more than $2,000.

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Even with the backlash, Valve has defended the steep price with a few practical explanations. Valve said ahead of launch that it would not sell the Steam Machine with heavy subsidy, instead pricing it closer to comparable gaming PCs. The company also pointed to an ongoing RAM shortage as a major contributor to the final cost, noting that component prices rose substantially during development. For players, that means the Steam Machine’s “premium console” positioning is less about branding and more about supply-chain reality—even if the final number lands higher than many fans hoped.

• Valve moved to stop Dbrand from selling a Steam Machine case using the Companion Cube design from Portal.
• Dbrand says it removed the product listings and related mentions after Valve’s legal team contacted it.
• Full refunds are expected for customers who already bought the case, with processing planned for the end of June 29.
• Dbrand claims it asked about obtaining a license later, but Valve reportedly denied the request.
• The Steam Machine’s launch price is $1,049 for the 512 GB model, and limited supply has reportedly fueled scalping.
• Valve says the console isn’t subsidized and cites a RAM shortage—and higher component costs during development—as reasons for the price.