Ninja 3x3 Ghost Cube with M stickers

Ninja 3x3 Ghost Cube with M stickers

Ninja 3x3 Ghost Cube is a 3x3 shape mod, a puzzle that loses its cube shape from the very first move. The layers are cut at unusual angles, so every piece has a different shape and size. When solved, all faces have the same sticker colour, so you solve it by shape, not by colour. The version with M stickers comes in several colours: White, Green, Yellow, Golden, Silver and Carbon.

How do you solve it?

The Ghost Cube uses the mechanism of a regular 3x3 cube, so knowing a basic method helps a lot. The challenge is that you recognise the pieces by their geometry, much like on the Mirror Cube. Here it's harder, though, because you also have to keep track of the centre orientation while solving. Many people treat the Ghost Cube as the next step after the Mirror Cube. If you're only just learning the 3x3, it's probably too big a step to start with.

Mechanism and feel

This is a puzzle for figuring things out, not a speedcubing cube. It comes factory lubed and turns smoothly straight out of the box, but don't expect it to behave like a modern 3x3. Because of the irregular cuts, corner cutting is limited. Users also report lockups and catching, especially when the layers aren't properly aligned. A calmer turning style with careful layer alignment helps. Tension is adjusted with screws, so you can tighten the cube a little when it gets too loose, or loosen it when it turns too stiffly.

Who is it for?

For cubers who can already solve the 3x3 and are looking for a puzzle that takes thinking rather than speed. The Ghost Cube is a great fit for a shape-shifting puzzle collection and looks good on a shelf, since it looks unusual even when solved. It is not allowed in official WCA competitions, so don't buy it for timed practice.

Specifications

• Type: shape-shifting puzzle, 3x3 shape mod (Ghost Cube)
• Manufacturer: Ninja
• Size: approx. 60 mm
• Weight: approx. 112 g
• Adjustment: tension adjustment screws
• Finish: M stickers, one sticker colour on all faces
• Available colours: White, Green, Yellow, Golden, Silver, Carbon
• Release year: 2018
• WCA competition legal: no