WitEden Symmetric 3x3x4 cuboid cube

WitEden Symmetric 3x3x4 Cuboid

WitEden Symmetric 3x3x4 is a cuboid, a puzzle shaped like a rectangular box. Two sides have square 3x3 faces, and the other four have rectangular 3x4 faces. It measures approx. 59 x 59 x 67 mm, so in your hand it feels like a regular 3x3 cube, just a little taller. This version has a black body.

How a 3x3x4 cuboid turns

The cube does not change shape. The top and bottom faces (3x3) turn in 90-degree steps, just like on a regular cube. The side faces are rectangular, so they can only be turned 180 degrees. A 90-degree turn is blocked by the shape of the puzzle. It takes a few minutes to get used to this. 3x3 algorithms are only partly useful, and side moves have to be done as double turns.

How solving differs from a 3x3

Along its longer axis, the cube has four layers, which is an even number. That's why you first need to pair up the pieces of the middle layers, and only then finish solving with methods similar to the 3x3. Just like on a 4x4 cube, you may run into parities that can't be solved with regular 3x3 algorithms. Among the cuboids in the 3x3xN family, the 3x3x4 is one of the easier ones to start with. It's harder than the 3x3x2 (domino) and easier than taller towers such as the 3x3x5 or 3x3x6, which WitEden also makes.

Who is it for?

It's a great puzzle for anyone who can already solve a 3x3 and wants to try something other than yet another NxN cube. The 3x3x4 cuboid teaches you to think about restricted moves and parities without requiring you to learn lots of new algorithms right away. It's a collector's and fun puzzle, not speedcubing gear. For a child who is just getting started with cubes, it's better to buy a regular 3x3 first and treat the cuboid as the next step.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3x4 cuboid (non-shapeshifting)
• Manufacturer: WitEden
• Dimensions: approx. 59 x 59 x 67 mm
• Body colour: black (Black)
• Turning: 3x3 faces in 90° steps, side faces in 180° steps