2B on Your Desktop: ‘NieR: Automata’ Android Joins Steam’s ‘Desktop Mate’ in Highly Anticipated DLC Drop

The global phenomenon of ‘NieR: Automata,’ a critical and commercial darling from Square Enix and visionary director Yoko Taro, has reached a new and utterly meta level of brand infiltration. The game’s iconic protagonist, the battle android YoRHa No.2 Type B (2B), is making the jump from a post-apocalyptic dystopia to the most personal of digital spaces: the PC desktop. This new development comes in the form of a major DLC collaboration for the popular Steam utility application, ‘Desktop Mate,’ an app renowned for its interactive, customizable 3D virtual mascots that roam and sit upon a user’s screen.

This is far more than a simple static wallpaper. ‘Desktop Mate,’ which boasts a substantial user base on the Steam platform, functions as a next-generation digital pet or companion platform. The application allows officially licensed, fully rendered 3D characters to wander across the user’s desktop, interact with windows, follow the mouse cursor, and even serve as an alarm clock—a functional and charming blend of digital utility and fan merchandise.

Key Features of the YoRHa No.2 Type B DLC

The announcement of the ‘NieR: Automata – YoRHa No. 2 Type B DLC’ has generated significant buzz within the PC gaming and anime fandom communities, solidifying 2B’s status as a veritable “Queen of Collaborations” in the industry. The developer, infiniteloop, has gone to extensive lengths to ensure the authenticity and high-quality of the virtual assistant, recognizing the demanding nature of the ‘NieR’ fanbase.

Key details that make this DLC a must-buy for enthusiasts and a standout release in the Steam Utilities category include:

• Authentic Voice Acting: The DLC includes a function to freely switch between the character’s original Japanese voice, performed by Yui Ishikawa, and the English voice, delivered by Kira Buckland. This ensures an immersive experience true to the original game’s award-winning presentation.
• Original Motion Capture: To perfectly capture the signature, graceful movements of the android, the 3D model’s motion capture was performed by Kaori Kawabuchi, the same motion actress who provided 2B’s movements in the original ‘NieR: Automata’ game. This level of detail is a major draw for gaming hardware enthusiasts and collectors.
• Signature Animations: The 2B model will feature numerous fan-favorite motions, including her iconic, subtle leg-crossing, sitting facing away in her contemplative poses, and the meticulous motion of adjusting her knee-high socks.
• A Secondary, Transformed Look: A major incentive for purchase is the inclusion of a hidden feature where, upon triggering a specific action or sequence, 2B’s outfit will change. This is widely speculated to be her “self-destruct” state, which reveals a more damaged or alternate costume, a nod to the game’s famous feature and a key piece of cosmetic content.
• Pod 042 Appearance: 2B’s loyal flight unit, Pod 042, will also make sporadic appearances during certain motions, further enhancing the character’s in-game feel.

The Growing Market for Digital Desktop Companions

The success of the ‘Desktop Mate’ app—which has surpassed over 1.6 million cumulative downloads—points to a lucrative and growing niche in the Steam ecosystem. This trend is capitalizing on the massive, interconnected nature of modern fandom, where interaction with beloved characters extends far beyond the game itself. The ability to integrate a hyper-realized 3D model of a high-value intellectual property like 2B into a user’s daily workflow transforms the desktop from a simple workspace into a personalized hub of digital entertainment.

The DLC is slated for release on October 9, 2025, and is expected to command a price point consistent with previous high-profile collaborations, typically around $15 USD. By leveraging the high CPC (Cost Per Click) and search volume associated with ‘NieR: Automata’ and its core character, this digital product is perfectly positioned to capture a significant share of the premium DLC market, proving that for a character like 2B, the demand for interactive digital content is virtually endless.

This collaboration not only expands the ‘NieR’ universe but also showcases the power of cross-platform engagement, demonstrating a future where favorite video game protagonists become seamlessly integrated into everyday desktop experience. The question is no longer “to exist or not to exist” for humanity, but rather, “how many 2Bs can you have on your desktop?”