Comment on Cramming a Mini-ITX Gaming PC into a 3D Printed Steam Machine Sized Case by Mark

In reply to Ghostinthemachine.

The point of this 3D printed case is the point of the Steam Machine, and is the essence of what you're saying as well.

Lets skip back first; The entire objective of Steam OS was to ensure the Steam would run on Linux (mainly) so that Microsoft couldn't lock users into it's platform and create a monopoly using it's App store. For that to happen Valve has re-created the Steam Machine, this time entirely inhouse but created a design that mostly goes againt the standard PC layout, while giving just enough that it kick starts the imaginations. Its the same reason Microsoft had to create the Surface laptops when the PC market was getting steamrolled by Apple's Macbook designs. A reference that got the creative juices flowing and avision that was just far enough that it pulled the PC laptop market out of the old bulky machines into the sleak modern machines we see today.

And Valve will do that with the Steam Machine. As we've seen people are already apiring to be a steam machine like build. 3DCatt here has done it, Linus Tech Tips has built muliple of their own as well, and even you've said use a cheap mini-itx case or something cool.

The best part is still to come though, like the Steam Deck, games got 'verified' as compatible. Some existing releases even got patched to make their game controller only friendly and such to get that verification, and the vast majority, it not all of them will immediately get Steam Machine verified when it releases. This means for Steam Machine builds like this one you're reading about, it won't just be the case of a case, but there will then also be minimum hardware requirements. Ones that ensure the build meets the same spec as Steam Machine so users can make use of the Steam Machine verification to find games that just work, seemlessly.

Once people have that ability, Steam Machine becomes a base for the PC console. What you're seeing here with this 3D printed case is that creativity and willingness to go along for the ride. Expect all types of Steam Machine builds in the future, from retro console styles like in a NES case, to slim lined og Xbox cases etc.