Valve shows you how to build your own e-paper display for the Steam Machine and its a case mod I never realized I needed

Date:
Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Description:
Valve shares open-source files that let you build an e-paper display for the Steam Machine.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Valve shares open-source files for an e-paper screen for Steam Machine Anyone can download, edit, and share the files The screen can attach to the Steam Machine's body and show useful information I have to admit, after Valve announced the $1,049 / 879 (around AU$1,500) price of the Steam Machine , my excitement for the compact gaming
PC plummeted but a recent move by the company has gone some way to restoring my faith.

As Brad Lynch pointed out on Twitter , Valve has shared the instructions, 3D print files, software and list of needed materials for people to build their own e-paper display that can be attached to the body of the Steam Machine, which can then be used to show information such as the temperatures and performance of the PCs components. Valve uploaded the full BOM list, 3D print files, and instructions for those who want to build their own E-Ink faceplate for the Steam MachineInkterface was first shown off alongside the initial Steam Hardware announcements last yearhttps://t.co/9uylbczqg2 pic.twitter.com/MirrJP34Ll July 2, 2026 Dubbed the inkterface, this second screen turns the Steam Machine into a retro-looking PC, and its a great reminder of why PC gaming can be so fun, as well as why, despite having its own issues, Valve continues to be one of the most interesting companies in
the gaming industry. Latest Videos From Watch full video here:

This is what Valve suggests you need: 1 x Adafruit ESP32 Feather with 2MB PSRAM 1 x Adafruit eInk Breakout Friend 1 x Adafruit 5.83" Monochrome eInk Panel 13 x M2.5 x 5mm Pan Head Machine Screws McMaster Amazon 4 x 1/4" x 1/4" x 3/16" Stepped Magnet SB443-OUT Do it yourself The fact that Valve is
sharing these files and instructions as open source is very commendable, as
it means anyone can use them and change, update, and improve them without paying a penny as long as you have the appropriate tools and materials. You may like How to build a Steam Machine-killing compact gaming PC for less
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I cant imagine Sony or Nintendo supporting, let alone encouraging, their customers to modify their consoles. Valves embracing of open-source (see also its use of Linux for SteamOS) shows that while its taking a console-like approach in some areas with the Steam Machine, it hasnt completely abandoned the openness and customizability of PC gaming. Being able to build your own rig, tweaking and modding your PC, is one of the things I love the most about PC gaming, so its great to see that Valve hasnt completely abandoned its PC roots. Offering ways to add weird, quirky, but also useful, parts to the
Steam Machine suddenly makes it a lot more interesting. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Of course, I still think building your own compact gaming PC and installing SteamOS to make your own Steam Machine is a better-value (and more fun) way
of doing things, and, again, its a testament to how open PC gaming can be.

Even if you dont have the time, materials or inclination to build your own inkterface display for your Steam Machine, youll still be able to benefit, as other builders, and even retailers, will be able to make their own and sell them.

The future success of the Steam Machine, then, could hinge on its
hackability, which could also be the key to prolonging its lifespan. While Im not entirely sold on it yet, this does go some way to making the high price a bit easier to swallow. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. The best PC controllers Our top picks for the best PC gamepads

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/gaming-pcs/valve-shows-you-how-to-build-yo ur-own-e-paper-display-for-the-steam-machine-and-its-a-case-mod-i-never-realiz ed-i-needed


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