SengSo Q-PlatyPus V3

SengSo Q-PlatyPus V3

This is the third and most complex version of the Q-PlatyPus shape mod from ShengShou, released under the SengSo brand. SengSo Q-PlatyPus V3 is a non-WCA puzzle and looks nothing like a classic 3x3 cube. It has four cylindrical tips that turn independently of the faces. In the V3, each tip consists of 13 pieces: a center and 12 pieces arranged around it in a star shape. These 12 pieces can be scrambled, so the tips need to be solved separately.

How it solves

The mechanism is the same as in the previous versions: both the faces and the tips turn. The movement is often compared to the Jing's Pyraminx, while some cubers see it more as a shape mod of the Redi Cube. According to customer reviews, the V3 takes a while to figure out, but it isn't as hard as it looks. Turning is described as decent, with slight corner cutting. This is a puzzle for intuitive solving, not for setting times, so there's no point comparing it with speed cubes.

V1, V2 or V3?

• V1 is the simplest. It works well as your first unusual puzzle.
• V2 has extra layers on the tips, which means more pieces to keep track of.
• V3 has tips divided into 12 movable pieces around a center, so it can be scrambled much more deeply than the original. It's the most challenging version in the whole series.

Who is it for?

The Q-PlatyPus V3 is for people who already know classic cubes and want to try something different, as well as for shape mod collectors. If you own the V1 or V2, the V3 gives you the same idea with noticeably more pieces to solve. For a first unusual puzzle, especially for a younger child, the V1 is the more sensible choice. The stickerless bright version is made of colored plastic, so there are no stickers to wear off.

Specifications

• Type: shape mod, non-WCA puzzle
• Manufacturer: ShengShou (SengSo)
• Dimensions: approx. 63 x 61.6 x 61 mm
• Weight: approx. 140 g
• Tips: 13 pieces, 12 of which can be scrambled
• Color scheme: stickerless bright
• EAN: 6923039139005