Lee SQ2 body-shift cube

Lee SQ2 body-shift cube

The Lee SQ2 body-shift cube (also known as the Square-2 Shift Cube) is a handmade shape-shifting puzzle from the Square-1 family. It was designed by Lee Zhen Xing in 2022. It is built on a mass-produced Square-2, with 3D-printed pieces glued on. When solved, it looks like an ordinary cube, but just a few moves are enough to make it lose its shape.

How it differs from the Square-1 and Square-2

In the classic Square-1 and its variants, the middle layer (slice) is cut diagonally. Here, the cut runs through the very centre of the cube, parallel to one of the faces. According to TwistyPuzzles, this is the first documented Square-1 variant with this kind of cut. How does it work? The Square-2 mechanism is set halfway through a move and bandaged with new pieces in that position. The solved state of the cube is therefore an intermediate position for the base mechanism.

In practice, this means the top and bottom layers turn just like on a Square-1, and the slice turns by 180°. However, the printed pieces differ in shape, so the puzzle clearly deforms as you scramble it. Knowing the Square-1 helps when solving it. Still, there is an extra challenge: you have to restore the cube shape from pieces that no longer look like classic edges and corners.

How it turns

This is a collector's puzzle, not a speedcubing cube. It has no magnets and no tension adjustment system. The distributor describes the turning as smooth, but some users report that their copy turns stiffly, even after lubing. With handmade mods, differences between individual units are normal. The 3D-printed pieces are glued on, so it is best to turn gently and not force layers that are not properly aligned.

Who is it for?

For those who already know the Square-1 and are looking for something that will test their understanding of this mechanism in a new form. It is also a great addition to a collection of shape-shifting puzzles. It is not a good choice as a first puzzle or as a gift for a child who is just learning to solve a 3x3 cube. We also offer the Black/golden version and the Lee SQ2 body-shift cylinder, a cylinder-shaped variant.

Specifications

• Type: shape-shifting puzzle, Square-2 mod (Square-1 mechanism)
• Designer: Lee Zhen Xing
• Build: handmade, Square-2 with glued-on 3D-printed pieces
• Middle layer cut: through the centre, parallel to a face
• Magnets: none
• Body colour: black