JSAUX is giving Valve’s Steam Machine another way to stand out from a typical gaming PC, with two interchangeable front panels that add customizable displays to the system. The company has now listed pricing for its Pixel Matrix and E-Ink Faceplates, with the two accessories starting at $89.99.
The panels are designed to replace the standard front panel and attach magnetically, meaning users can swap them without making permanent changes to the Steam Machine. JSAUX is offering two different display technologies, with one aimed at animated pixel graphics and system information and the other using e-ink for higher-resolution images.
The Pixel Matrix Faceplate costs $89.99 and includes a 7-inch dot matrix display with a 64 × 54 resolution. While the resolution is low by modern display standards, that is part of the design. The screen can show pixel-style graphics, system information, emoticons, GIF animations, and other customized patterns.
JSAUX says the display can also provide useful information such as system temperature and memory usage. This gives the front panel a practical purpose beyond simply changing the appearance of the Steam Machine.
The main difference between the two models is how they are powered. The Pixel Matrix Faceplate does not have an integrated battery and instead connects to the Steam Machine through its external USB-C port. The same connection handles power and data, while the panel remains attached using magnets.
The E-Ink Faceplate costs $99.99 and takes a different approach. It uses a 5.8-inch monochrome e-ink display with a 640 × 480 resolution and support for up to 16 levels of grayscale. That gives it considerably more detail than the pixel matrix panel and makes it better suited to displaying custom artwork and more complex images.
The e-ink model also includes a 500mAh battery. JSAUX claims it can provide at least 16 days of battery life, depending on usage. Rather than relying on a cable for normal operation, the panel communicates with the Steam Machine through Bluetooth.
- Pixel Matrix Faceplate: $89.99
- Display: 7-inch, 64 × 54 dot matrix
- Pixel Matrix connectivity: External USB-C
- E-Ink Faceplate: $99.99
- E-Ink display: 5.8-inch, 640 × 480 monochrome
- Grayscale: Up to 16 levels
- E-Ink battery: 500mAh
- E-Ink battery life: At least 16 days
- Installation: Magnetic attachment
The E-Ink Faceplate can be recharged through the Steam Machine’s external USB-C port once its battery is depleted. Both models are aimed at owners who want to personalize the system beyond its original design, although the two displays offer very different visual experiences.
JSAUX has previously released interchangeable third-party front panels for the Steam Machine, and these new versions expand that approach with integrated displays. At $89.99 for the Pixel Matrix model and $99.99 for the E-Ink version, the company is asking buyers to pay extra for customization, but the panels offer a feature that is not normally found on a gaming PC’s front panel.
