The original Rubik’s Cube is a timeless toy, puzzle, and party flex. The Rubik’s WowCube is… not that. Instead, it boldly asks the question: what if the Rubik’s Cube could play sub-par mobile games? That’s where the evolution of the timeless toy that’s still around today, mind you, is headed later this year. And it’ll cost $300 (∼R5,160).
“It’s the most incredible thing I’ve seen in a long time,” – actually Steve Wozniak
Something’s gotta pay for the 24 (twenty-four!) tiny colour LCDs covering the 2×2 design (we couldn’t even get a 3×3?), right? It still rotates just like a regular Rubik’s Cube, with each twist of the cube changing the very map of the game you’re playing. For example, players will need to shift the Cube in such a way that it can build a road for a car to drive through, or beat a round of Cut the Rope with physical limitations in the way.
The device comes packed with sensors to detect whether the Cube is being tilted, shaken, or tapped. You’ll need to get hold of the WowCube’s app store to download apps, of which there are actually paid titles mixed in with the free ones. These include 2048 and Space Invaders, and they’ll be sent over to the Cube via Bluetooth. Cubios, the owner, also offers developers an SDK should they ever want to make their own apps for the device.
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If a user can’t figure out the 2×2 grid, worry not. The Rubik’s WowCube is fully digital and can simply be reset. Cubios promises up to five hours of battery life before it’ll whine for a charger. It won’t take a simple USB-C charger, though. The Rubik’s WowCube comes with a proprietary charge because of course it does.
Pre-orders opened today for the R5,000+ Rubik’s WowCube, with the company planning to have these shipped before Christmas. That’s only for the US, however, with the website recommending forwarding companies to have it shipped internationally. That, we’re guessing, won’t be here in time for Christmas.
