The dbrand Companion Cube Steam Machine accessory was their second-fastest selling product ever, behind only the Killswitch case for Nintendo Switch.
Snapshot · Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast
The dbrand Companion Cube Steam Machine accessory was their second-fastest selling product ever, behind only the Killswitch case for Nintendo Switch.
Where this was said
At 58:30 · chapter starts 56:00
David recaps the dbrand Companion Cube saga: the accessories company made a stunning Companion Cube-themed faceplate for Valve's Steam Machine, complete with a Portal-universe launch video featuring Cave Johnson's voice, Portal robots, and production values that made it look like an official Valve product. It wasn't. The product sold out in Japan almost instantly and became dbrand's second-fastest ever seller, behind only the Killswitch for Nintendo Switch. [1] — David Imel "dbrand Companion Cube: 2nd fastest seller: The dbrand Companion Cube Steam Machine accessory was their second-fastest selling product ever,…" 58:30 Valve said no to a licensing deal; dbrand posted a transparent apology on Reddit admitting they should have asked first. The hosts note this is consistent with dbrand's brand of operating "fast and loose" — past examples include the dark plates for PlayStation with the tagline "sue us, Sony" and leaking cases for unreleased phones. Andrew adds that while the Companion Cube won't see the light of day officially, the Steam Machine's mod-friendly design means 3D-printed alternatives are already coming.
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