We’ve been calling the Steam Machine a video game console because that’s what little boxes that play games and sit next to the TV in your living room have been called for decades. Valve is adamant that this is not an accurate term for its device.

The Steam Machine is Valve's new piece of hardware entering the scene as a mini PC built for living room gaming. I love a lot about it, had some issues with it, but overall came away from my time with it feeling very positive.

If you're new to PC gaming, here's a crash course on the Steam Machine and how it differs from a traditional video game console.

Tech YouTuber Linus Tech Tips loves the Steam Machine, but says the pricing makes it difficult to recommend over competing hardware.

Valve's SteamOS hides a powerful Linux desktop beneath its console-like interface. With a few button presses, you can unlock features that make the Steam Deck feel more like a PC than a gaming handheld.

One of those was because we received a heads-up from accessory maker Dbrand about its first, dedicated Steam Machine case. Launched today, Monday 22 June, the Companion Cube resembles the in-game block from Valve's Portal and is a natural fit for the cubed Steam Machine console.