DianSheng Squished 2x2

DianSheng Squished 2x2: a flattened 2x2 cube

Instead of a classic cube, you get a low, wide and clearly flattened shape. The DianSheng Squished 2x2 is a 2x2 shape mod. Inside, it works like a regular pocket cube, but after just a few moves it stops looking like a cube. The pieces have different shapes, so scrambling it creates an irregular form that looks a little different with every scramble. We sell it in the Stickerless Bright version, with coloured plastic pieces and no stickers that could wear off or peel over time.

How do you solve the Squished 2x2?

The mechanism is a standard 2x2, so the same algorithms work here as on a regular cube. If you can already solve a 2x2 with the beginner's method or a more advanced one, you don't need to learn anything new. The challenge lies elsewhere. Once scrambled, the puzzle loses its regular shape, so it takes a while to get used to recognising the pieces and holding it in your hand. When the colours return to their faces, the original flattened shape comes back too.

The manufacturer added concave anti-stick grooves on the inner surfaces of the pieces, which reduce the layers sticking to each other while turning. Still, to be honest, this is a puzzle, not a speedcube for breaking 2x2 records. The flattened form and the irregular shapes after scrambling don't favour high TPS. The fun comes mainly from the shape itself and from solving it.

Who is it for?

The Squished 2x2 is best for someone who already knows the regular 2x2 cube and wants to try something different without learning a new method. It's also a good start to a collection of shape mods and a great gift idea for a child who already solves cubes. Recommended age: 8+. It can also work as a first 2x2, but if you're learning from scratch, a regular 2x2 cube is a bit easier to read because it doesn't change shape.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: DianSheng
• Type: 2x2 cube, shape mod
• Colour version: Stickerless Bright
• Dimensions: approx. 58 x 58 x 55 mm
• Weight: approx. 66 g
• Recommended age: 8+