Valve releases Steam Machine Inkterface files for DIY E Ink faceplate
Valve has released the files for Inkterface, a DIY E Ink front panel for the Steam Machine. The project is hosted on Valve’s SteamOS GitLab page. The upload includes 3D print files, a bill of materials, firmware, assembly instructions and software setup documentation. It gives users enough material to build the E Ink faceplate themselves, rather than wait for a finished accessory.
What it doesn’t have is a link where you can buy it without building your own.
DIY E Ink faceplate
The Inkterface project is based on the front cover that Valve showed during the Steam Machine reveal. We covered this prototype last year, when Valve demonstrated an E Ink panel mounted on the front of the system.
At the time, Valve said the display-based cover was not planned as a retail product. The standard Steam Machine uses a magnetic, tool-free front plate, and Valve said it planned to release files for users and third parties to create their own designs.
Source: Valve
The new files cover a more advanced version of that idea. According to reports, the build uses a 5.83-inch Adafruit E Ink panel, with Bluetooth connectivity handled through an ESP32-based board. Users must print the faceplate, assemble the electronics and flash the firmware.
No prebuilt Valve accessory yet
Valve has not announced a finished Inkterface accessory. The project is closer to an official reference design for users who have a 3D printer and are comfortable with electronics assembly.
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 Machine
“Inkterface” was first shown off alongside the initial Steam Hardware announcements last year https://t.co/9uylbczqg2 pic.twitter.com/MirrJP34Ll
— Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) July 2, 2026
Once connected, the E Ink panel can be used for hardware statistics, custom images or other static display content. This makes the front plate the main visible modding area of the Steam Machine, beyond the standard plastic or wood-style covers.
At least one company, JSAUX, is planning to release a commercial version of this panel. However, it is not an official Valve faceplate, and there is no release date or pricing yet. Hopefully, the company asked Valve for permission.
Source: Jsaux
Source: Steam Hardware (Gitlab)
