Companion Cube plush back in stock at Valve

Of course you want a Companion Cube plush, because I don't know anyone who doesn't -- whether you bonded emotionally with Portal or not,  the cube is simply an ubiquitous symbol of gaming in general. I kind of think of it as the commemorative icon of the 2007 year in games. Plus, I can hug it.

The Valve store realized they had a great opportunity to please fans and rake in dollars and jumped to the challenge, creating a 6X6X6 plush cube that sold out faster than you can say "Wii shortage!" The cube was originally $29.95 before it sold out, but now it has reappeared in stock at the Valve store. There's a catch though: The price of the cube is now $100, rather than $29.95. Argh!

Before you start shaking your fist at the sky over the evils of greed and inflation, there is one more detail you should know. Valve did increase the price, but the total proceeds go to the Child's Play Foundation. You aren't really buying the cube as much as you're making a generous donation to Child's Play and getting the cube as a thank you.

This still may piss off gamers who just wanted the cube and don't have the extra greens to donate to Child's Play right now, but despite the price tag, it seems like Valve's hearts are in the right place with this one.

[Via the Valve Store - Thanks Adam]