Lee SQ2 body-shift cube

Lee SQ2 body-shift cube

At first glance it looks like an ordinary cube, but inside it runs on a Square-2 mechanism. The Lee SQ2 body-shift cube is a handmade mod designed by Lee Zhen Xing. 3D-printed pieces are glued onto a mass-produced Square-2 to change the shape of the puzzle. As a result, the middle slice runs exactly through the centre of the cube, parallel to its faces. In the Square-1 and all its variants, this slice is always slightly offset at an angle. This shape-shifting puzzle came out in 2022 and is distributed by Calvin's Puzzle.

What's the trick?

The solved state of this cube is actually a Square-2 stopped halfway through a move (midturn). The added parts hide this so well that from the outside you see a regular cube with a straight split. It starts changing shape after just a few turns, and the first scramble usually surprises even people who know the Square-1 well.

Solving and feel

The rules are the same as for the Square-1: first you restore the cube shape, then you put the pieces in their places. However, the shifted slice and the new shape make familiar shapes look different. You have to learn how to "read" this cube all over again. The Black/golden variant doesn't use the classic six-colour scheme, so recognising pieces is harder.

This is a mod for collecting and relaxed solving, not a speedcubing cube. It has no magnets and no tension adjustment. The distributor describes the turning as smooth, but some buyers report that it feels rather tight even after lubing. So don't expect high TPS. Think of it as a puzzle to work through.

Who is it for?

For people who can already solve the Square-1 or Square-2 and want to try a harder variant. Collectors of mods and shape-shifting puzzles will also love it, as it looks unusual and makes a great display piece. It will probably be too difficult for a child or someone just learning the 3x3. If you're starting out, a regular Square-1 is a better choice.

Specifications

• Type: shape-shifting puzzle from the Square-1 family (Square-2 mod)
• Designer: Lee Zhen Xing
• Construction: handmade, mass-produced Square-2 with glued-on 3D-printed pieces
• Middle slice: through the centre of the cube, parallel to the faces
• Magnets: none
• Colour: Black/golden