By Kelly Anne Fitzpatrick on December 14, 2011 in
The Rubik's Cube is one of the most recognizable toys in the world. More than 300 million have been sold, and one-eighth of the world's population has given it a try. According to Forbes.com the Rubik's Cube is one of the most popular toys of the past century and the most popular toy of the 1970s; TIME also named it one of the All-Time 100 Greatest Toys. This surprisingly simple, yet addictive toy consists of a six-sided cube with nine colored squares (in a three-by-three grid) on each side. The cube starts with each side a solid color, but puzzlers scramble the squares up and then try to twist and turn the cube back to its original state--for those counting at home, that's one correct solution and more than 43 quintillion incorrect ones.
The history of 'The Magic Cube'
Nope, magic isn't just what it takes to get the right solution, but it is the Rubik's Cube original name - well, technically it was, "Büvös Kocka," which translates to "Magic Cube." In 1974, Hungarian architect and professor, Ernő Rubik, designed the puzzle as a challenge for his students at the Academy of Applied Arts and Design in Budapest. He quickly realized just how mesmerizing the cube could be and worked with Hungarian toy-manufacturer Politechnika to mass produce it, according to About.com. The Magic Cube took off in 1977, and manufacturers outside the Soviet Union were soon eager to market it to the masses. By 1980, the Ideal Toy Corporation was selling the toy worldwide and had renamed it the Rubik's Cube, says the product's website.
Before long, kids and adults alike were competing to finish the cube fastest. Within a year of the international release, the book, You Can Do the Cube, written by 12-year-old Patrick Bossert, went on to sell 1.5 million copies (and spawn plenty of copy cats). In 1982, the first Rubik's Championships were held in Budapest, and avid Cubers competed to see who could solve the puzzle in the shortest time. While the 1982 winner finished in a respectable 19 seconds, the current world record stands at a jaw-dropping 5.66 seconds; watch it happen below, just don't blink or you'll miss it.
The Rubik's Cube, remodeled
Today, both children of the '80s and the next generation can enjoy Rubik's Cubes. The newest iteration, the Rubik's Revolution, adds electronics into the mix as well as six different games in one, including multi-player versions and fast-paced code-breaking (with lights and sounds). For traditionalists looking for a challenge, Rubik's also offers 4x4 and 5x5 cubes (plus easier 2x2s), as well as the Twist--who knew a simple cube could get so many makeovers?
According to a review from About.com, the Rubik's Revolution is an engaging, fun and addictive game, even if it has very little in common with the original Rubik's Cube. Amazon.com reviewers echo these sentiments. While some enjoy the reflex games, many are disappointed the squares don't move or mimic the classic. The Twist, on the other hand, does far better. While some consumers aren't completely satisfied with the quality, most find it a fun take on the older version.
But Rubik's isn't leaving puzzlers high and dry. The site offers a "Solving Center" with videos to get those scrambled sides all sorted out. Still need more ways to play with your cube? How about constructing your own? Yep, Rubik's offers kits and stickers for the DIY-obsessed puzzle-solver, not to mention lubricant for those more "antique" cubes.
But hey, not all of us are into that old-school, hands-on stuff. Gamers, listen up: The Rubik's Cube is now available on your iPhone or Android smartphone--and for only 99 cents. Both versions score over 4 stars with user reviews for the iPhone version and a professional review for the Android option. The iPhone app even allows you to share those wins with other gamers or check in on Foursquare while you play.
Or for those who don't mind bending the rules, there's an app for that, too. Purchase the CubeCheater app for the iPhone, and you'll get a computer-generated solution for any cube configuration; the app promises to provide the quickest step-by-step guide. So whether you play 3D or 2D, prefer the original or modern lights and sounds, there's a cube to satisfy every puzzle-solver.