DIY Steam Machine Faceplates Offer Affordable Customization
Gamers can personalize their Steam Machines with creative, budget-friendly faceplates made from common household items, bypassing expensive retail options.
PC gamers looking to add a personal touch to their new Steam Machines have a surprisingly affordable and creative avenue: DIY faceplates. While official and third-party customization options can be costly, a recent article from Rock Paper Shotgun highlights how everyday objects can be transformed into unique covers for the console's front panel.
The Steam Machine, a gaming device designed to bring PC gaming to the living room, features a relatively plain black exterior, making its faceplate a prime target for personalization. However, options found on the market range significantly in price, often between £15 and £40, adding an unexpected expense for consumers who have already invested in the hardware. This has spurred creative solutions for those seeking to express their individuality without breaking the bank.
The DIY approach detailed in the article uses readily available household items and basic craft supplies, such as magnets and glue. One ingenious suggestion involves using a simple paper plate, which can be drawn on for further customization and easily attached while maintaining proper airflow and access to the console's front ports. Another unconventional, yet surprisingly stylish, option is dried seaweed (nori). When cut to size, it offers a subtler aesthetic with a unique texture, and as tested, does not impart an oceanic smell to the gaming environment, even after playing demanding titles like Doom: The Dark Ages.
Creative Repurposing of Everyday Items
Beyond kitchen staples, the article explores repurposing unwanted promotional tote bags. These ubiquitous branded bags, often received at gaming events like Gamescom 2024, can be cut and applied to the Steam Machine, serving as a permanent display of brand allegiance or a gaming-related graphic. Similarly, a discarded popcorn bag can add a splash of color and texture, with the added bonus of being easily replaceable with other snack packaging, offering a form of upcycling and a subtle nod to corporate office culture.
For those seeking a bolder statement, a car learner plate (often marked with an 'L' in the UK) provides a pop of color and a conversation starter. The article playfully suggests alternative, more empowering acronyms for the 'L' if the connotation of inexperience is undesirable, such as "Legend Leader Luminary Laureate." This taps into the desire for unique identifiers and personal narratives that many gamers seek in their setups.
Contextually, the rise of personalized gaming hardware is not new. From custom PC case mods to intricate controller designs, gamers have long sought ways to make their equipment reflect their personality and preferences. The Steam Machine, with its relatively accessible internal components for those inclined to upgrade, also presented an opportunity for external customization. However, the high cost of pre-made accessories can be a deterrent. This trend toward DIY solutions aligns with broader movements in crafting, upcycling, and the maker culture, emphasizing resourcefulness and personal expression over commercial consumption.
The article even humorously suggests using a piece of paper bearing an expired Steam Machine review embargo as a faceplate, symbolizing the reclamation of control over one's hardware and content. The underlying message is clear: personalization does not need to be expensive. With a bit of creativity and a few common items, gamers can transform their Steam Machines into unique pieces of art that are as functional as they are visually distinct, proving that innovation can often be found in the most unexpected places.