Chinese company Jsaux, known for its innovative gaming accessories, has announced the development of interchangeable front panels with electronic ink for Valve’s anticipated Steam Machine. The new product has sparked keen interest among computer technology enthusiasts and fans of portable gaming devices. The panels attach to the device case using magnets, allowing users to quickly change the appearance and functionality of the PC.
Earlier this year, Jsaux conducted a poll among Reddit users, offering a choice between two options: an E-Ink display or a classic LCD screen for the upcoming Steam Machine. It appears the company is seriously considering both solutions; however, preliminary images feature the E-Ink panel specifically. The renders also indicate a tentative release date of 2026, suggesting the project is still in its early stages and that the final version may change.
It is still unclear whether both versions of the front panels will be available for sale or if the manufacturer will settle on just one option. The project could also be put on hold if there isn’t enough user interest. Nonetheless, experts note that Jsaux is fully capable of tackling such a design: the company has already established itself as a manufacturer of advanced accessories for Steam Deck, including docking stations, cooling bases, and additional fans.
New Valve devices and the trend for customization
Last November, Valve unveiled three new devices at once: the Steam Frame VR headset, an updated Steam Controller, and the Steam Machine itself. All are expected to go on sale early next year. After the announcement, journalists were invited to visit Valve’s office to see the prototypes, which included some unusual front panels for the Steam Machine.
Among the options showcased were panels with simulated wood grain, ones themed after the popular game Team Fortress 2, and an electronic ink display designed to show system performance information. This approach to customization gives users the ability not only to alter the device’s appearance but also to access useful data right on the PC case.
Technical specifications and features of the Steam Machine
The Steam Machine is built on a modern hardware platform: it features an AMD Zen 4 processor and an AMD RDNA 3 graphics accelerator. The device comes with 16 GB of RAM and a solid-state drive with either 512 GB or 2 TB of storage. The operating system is SteamOS, specifically optimized for gaming and media tasks.
Thanks to its modular design and support for interchangeable panels, users will be able to customize both the appearance and functionality of the Steam Machine to suit their preferences. Unlike traditional screens, the E-Ink display uses minimal power and doesn’t cause glare, making it convenient for continuous system monitoring.
Market outlook and expectations
The emergence of interchangeable E-Ink panels could become a new trend in the gaming PC industry. The ability to quickly change your device’s design and access additional information without launching any programs is an appealing option for enthusiasts. However, much will depend on how strong the demand for such accessories proves to be.
For now, Jsaux is keeping details about the project under wraps and has not announced an exact launch date. Nevertheless, interest in the product is already being fueled by discussions in enthusiast communities and coverage in the media. By the time Steam Machine is released, the range of accessories available for it is expected to have grown significantly.
Jsaux is a Chinese brand specializing in accessories for gaming devices and PCs. The company has gained widespread recognition for its high-quality docks, cables, and cooling systems for Steam Deck and other portable consoles. In recent years, Jsaux has established itself as one of the leading accessory brands for gamers, offering original solutions for customization and improved user comfort.
