Valve’s original Steam Machine, released in 2015, remains one of the most polarizing pieces of gaming hardware history. Marketed as a living-room console running SteamOS, the compact PC was praised for its innovative design but ultimately hampered by a steep price tag and a limited game library. While the hardware itself never achieved mainstream success, its distinctive industrial aesthetic has endured, inspiring a wave of fan-made tributes decades later. Now, a 3D printing community member has found a practical way to bring that look into modern homes without the original hardware’s drawbacks.
According to a report by PCWorld, a Reddit user known as itsBoyso designed a 1:1 scale replica of the Steam Machine that functions as a tissue box holder. The project addresses the original hardware’s most persistent complaint: cost. By translating the console’s form factor into a household utility, the design allows enthusiasts to display the iconic silhouette without investing in the original components or dealing with the aging hardware’s compatibility issues.
The Design and Functionality
The replica captures the precise dimensions and surface details of the original Steam Machine. The front fascia, which featured the distinctive circular Steam logo and ventilation grilles, is rendered with high fidelity. The design prioritizes a clean exterior, utilizing a rear-loading mechanism for the tissue box. This ensures that the front of the unit remains unblemished by packaging branding, maintaining the illusion of the actual console.
A notable feature of the design is its compatibility with the original hardware’s magnetic faceplates. The Steam Machine was originally sold with interchangeable covers, allowing users to customize the look of the unit. The 3D printed version includes mounting points for these magnets, meaning owners of original faceplates can swap them onto the tissue box replica. This adds a layer of authenticity and personalization for collectors who already own the accessories.
MakerWorld Files and Storage Variants
The printable files are now available on MakerWorld, Valve’s official 3D printing community platform. The listing offers two distinct versions of the model, labeled to correspond with the original Steam Machine’s storage configurations: a 512GB and a 2TB variant. While the internal storage is purely cosmetic, the different labels allow users to match the replica to their specific original hardware or personal preference.
Printing this model requires a substantial amount of filament and a printer with a large build volume. The replica is significantly larger than standard desktop accessories, making it a project best suited for users with industrial or large-format printers. Additionally, the magnetic faceplate feature requires users to source and embed small neodymium magnets into the print, adding a minor assembly step to the process.
Part of a Broader Console Decor Trend
This tissue box replica joins a growing collection of gaming hardware that doubles as home decor. The PlayStation 5, with its curved white shells, has inspired numerous router covers and speaker stands that mimic its futuristic aesthetic. Similarly, the Xbox Series X has spawned a market for mini-fridges and beverage coolers that replicate its black, vented tower design.
These items reflect a shift in how gaming peripherals are perceived. Rather than hiding consoles in entertainment centers, many enthusiasts now treat them as statement pieces. The Steam Machine tissue box fits this trend by celebrating a piece of gaming history that, while commercially unsuccessful, remains visually distinctive and culturally relevant.
What This Means for You
For fans of Valve’s hardware, this project offers a low-risk way to engage with the Steam Machine’s legacy. You get the visual appeal of the iconic console without the maintenance, driver issues, or high cost associated with the original device. It also serves as a conversation piece for gaming setups, bridging the gap between nostalgia and modern home aesthetics.
How to Get It
To access the design, visit the MakerWorld platform and search for the Steam Machine tissue box model by itsBoyso. Review the print settings and filament requirements before starting, as the large volume will impact both print time and material costs. If you own original magnetic faceplates, ensure your printer can accommodate the magnet insertion points for a seamless finish.
Whether you view the original Steam Machine as a pioneering failure or a misunderstood success, this replica keeps its design alive in a format that fits modern living rooms.
Source: PCWorld
Over to you: Are you team Steam Machine nostalgia, or would you rather save your money for a Deck?
