QiYi Rainbow Ball (12 Holes)

QiYi Rainbow Ball (12 Holes)

QiYi Rainbow Ball (12 Holes) is a spherical puzzle in which you slide colored balls around. Unlike a 3x3 cube, you don't turn any layers here. You move the balls between 12 holes, and each one has to end up in the hole of the same color. It works like a 3D version of a sliding puzzle: one hole is always empty, and the balls travel through it.

How to solve it

The idea is simple. You scramble the ball by moving the balls to different places, then return each one to its spot. The challenge comes from the balls blocking each other's way. To move one ball, you often have to shift several others temporarily and remember where they were before. You don't need to know any algorithms to solve it. Logical thinking and a bit of patience are enough. The 12-hole version is easier than the larger versions of this puzzle, so beginners reach their first solve fairly quickly.

Color versions

• White: a white shell with colored balls, the classic look of this puzzle.
• Luminous: a version with glow-in-the-dark parts that stay visible after the lights go out once they have been charged with light.

The mechanism and the way you solve it are the same in both versions, so your choice comes down to looks.

Who is it for?

This puzzle is a great fit for kids and for anyone just getting into logic puzzles. It also makes a nice small gift or something to keep your hands busy between cubing sessions. The ball is about 6.5 cm in diameter, so it sits comfortably in your hand and fits easily in a backpack. If you already know this type of puzzle and want a tougher challenge, you can choose the Rainbow Ball 20-hole version, which has more balls and is larger. An experienced speedcuber will see the 12-hole model more as a relaxing curiosity than a demanding challenge.

Specifications

• Type: spherical sliding puzzle (rainbow ball)
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Number of holes: 12
• Size: approx. 65.5 mm
• Product dimensions: approx. 6.3 x 6.16 x 6.1 cm
• Material: plastic
• Available colors: White, Luminous