A hardware modder has replaced the Steam Machine faceplate with a 3D-printed docking station for the Steam Controller. With this, you only need to position the controller in place and the magnets will hold it securely until your next play session while it charges.
It seems that Valve’s decision to go with an interchangeable front panel for the Steam Machine was a great idea, as novel user concepts keep coming. The latest of these is a mod from Reddit user NefariousnessWhole25 who 3D-printed a dock for the Steam Controller that uses magnets to hold the controller in place vertically, like a showpiece. The mod is fully functional, capable of both charging the controller and communicating with it via the bundled puck adapter.
Like any faceplate, this dock mod uses the Steam Machine’s built-in magnet to lock in place, while the puck holds the controller from falling. According to the modder, the puck’s magnets are strong enough to keep the controller in place without needing any additional support. As for the puck itself, it’s maintained in position simply using a tight/squeeze fit, with a small lip plus the USB cable further locking it in place. The 3D-printed faceplate is designed to perfectly marry the form of the Steam Controller, which ensures correct positioning and contact with the charging pogo pins.
But that’s not all; the modded faceplate can also be used as a standalone docking station for the controller using a kickstand, which makes it also useful to non-Steam Machine owners. Understandably, the main appeal of the mod is to be used in conjunction with the Steam Machine.
For those wondering if this mod impacts the connectivity of the controller, the modder said that they didn’t notice any issues while playing. Note that the Steam Machine doesn’t need the puck to communicate with the controller; it has its own built-in transmitter. As for where the puck’s power comes from? The USB cable is neatly routed towards the rear I/O where it uses one of the available USB ports.
The creator said that they may release the 3D files sometime later, after fixing some minor details. Apparently, the design isn’t final yet. It would be nice if someone could code a piece of software that puts the Steam Machine into sleep whenever the controller is docked and brings it back online whenever the controller is detached.
