Steam Machine Faceplates with E-Ink, Colour E-Ink and Dot Matrix Options Coming Soon

Jsaux, the Shenzhen-based accessory maker perhaps best known for their transparent Steam Deck replacement shells, has turned their attention to the latest Valve project, the Steam Machine. They're producing a plug-and-play alternative to the e-ink faceplates developed internally by Valve engineers, which have been released as open-source designs that require a bit of engineering knowledge to build at home. In fact, the Jsaux offerings include both a monochrome e-ink display, matching the Valve option, as well as a smaller colour e-ink screen and a colour dot matrix display.

Jsaux shared four images of their current prototypes with Digital Foundry, showing how each option looks in real life at present. It's worth pointing out that the e-ink and colour e-ink options use an integrated battery and wireless connectivity, allowing for weeks of operation sans wires, while the dot matrix display requires a USB connection to power it.

There's definitely room to make the dot matrix option look a little cleaner - perhaps with a flat, ribbon-style cable that sits flush along the side of the Steam Machine - but all three look like interesting options for anyone that doesn't fancy the soldering and 3D printing (though you can buy these parts online) required by the Valve-designed DIY option.

So far, there's no information on pricing or firm availability, though Jsaux told me that engineering samples for the Dot Matrix display version could be available to test around late July, presumably with retail availability following thereafter.

If you're interested in the designs, you can sign up for an email notification at the Jsaux Steam Machine Faceplate microsite. There's also a Steam Machine carrying case which is pretty amusing - with that, who needs a GameCube-like handle?

What other Steam Machine mods and accessories would you be interested in? Seen any cool projects? Let me know in the comments below.