11+ of the oddest and most interesting takes on Ernő Rubik's cube

Ernő Rubik had no idea in the '70s that his cube puzzle would become so influential. He probably never even though people would play around with the concept either.
Christopher McFadden
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  • Originally invented in 1974, the Rubik's Cube quickly became a worldwide sensation.
  • Since then, its inventor and other ingenious people have taken the original concept and run with it.
  • But which are the oddest takes on the famous Rubik's Cube?

Little did Ernő Rubik know that his cube puzzle would become a world sensation when he invented it back in the mid-1970s. And yet, it did.

In celebration of this great innovator's contribution to the world of puzzles and toys, we present some of the most exciting and 'funny' takes on his classic Rubik's Cube.

A very brief history of the Rubik's Cube

The Rubik's Cube was first invented in 1974 (and patented in 1975); since then, it has become one of the world's most popular puzzle games. 

11+ of the oddest and most interesting takes on Ernő Rubik's cube
The original Rubik's Cube is a thing of beauty.

Ernő Rubik was a professor at the Budapest Academy of Applied Arts and Crafts who devised the cube to solve the structural problem of moving the parts independently without the entire mechanism falling apart and to aid students in understanding the structure of 3D objects.

When he devised his twisty-turny robust, and colorful device, he had no idea just how popular it would come to be, in fact, according to some reports, he didn't realize that the cube could also be a puzzle until he scrambled his new cube and then tried to restore it.

When Ernő Rubik built his first cube, it took him over a month to solve it — to make you feel a little better about yourself (and if we ignore current developments in AI).

What are some examples of fascinating Rubik's cubes?

And so, without further ado, here are some examples of the most interesting variants on the standard three-by-three Rubik's cube. This list is far from exhaustive and is in no particular order. 

1. The Pentamix may be the hardest take on Ernő Rubik's Cube

11+ of the oddest and most interesting takes on Ernő Rubik's cube
The Pentamix is a beast of a puzzle.

This Pentamix is certainly a sight to behold. It is considered one of the hardest Rubik's Cubes to solve. For many, the traditional cube is hard enough, but this take on Ernő Rubik's classic is enough to scare even the most tempered Rubik's Cube enthusiast.

It is made from 975 individual parts and more than 1,200 stickers. Jason Smith designed it and took about 75 hours to build. As for solving it — that might take considerably longer than that in the hands of a beginner. 

2. The Mirror Cube Puzzle is one of the most unique takes on Ernő Rubik's original

11+ of the oddest and most interesting takes on Ernő Rubik's cube
The mirror cube is certainly a challenge.

This Mirror Cube lacks any colored stickers and instead consists of various pieces of different sizes. Although it sounds simple enough, a quick glance at the uncompleted state should be enough to perplex any Rubik's Cube veteran. 

3. The Quadruple Cube is certainly an interesting take on Rubik's cube

11+ of the oddest and most interesting takes on Ernő Rubik's cube
As if the original wasn't hard enough.

The Quadruple Cube is one of the more unique modifications of the traditional Rubik's Cube. It is, in effect, four mini-cubes in one and one that is certainly a fun alternative to one of the best-loved puzzles of all time.

Not only is this cube a challenge, but it is also aesthetically intriguing. 

4. The Gearball Brainteaser is another, seemingly impossible-to-solve take on the Rubik's cube

11+ of the oddest and most interesting takes on Ernő Rubik's cube
Go on, give it a try.

The Gearball Brainteaser is one of the most intriguing and complex forms of the Rubik's Cube. If you think the original cube was hard, you should try this magnificent beast of a puzzle.

Not only that, but you can watch the gears turn as you try to solve it. Satisfying and challenging all at the same time.

5.  The Megaminx Speed Cube is something to behold

11+ of the oddest and most interesting takes on Ernő Rubik's cube
This is certainly a fun take on the original.

The Megaminx Speed Cube takes the standard two-by-two or three-by-three cube concept and throws it in the bin. It looks hard and plays even harder.

It is branded as "challenging and fun," but many may consider it a stretch. Unless being incredibly challenged and frustrated by your incompetence falls under your definition of "fun," of course.

6. The Irregular Rubik's cube will drive you crazy

11+ of the oddest and most interesting takes on Ernő Rubik's cube
Where would you start solving this?

The Irregular IQ Rubik's Cube is billed as a groundbreaking change to the classic game. If you struggle with the original, giving this one some time is probably best.

You are a brave Rubik's Cuber if you fancy trying your hand at this one.

7. The Idiot's Rubik's Cube is tantamount to sacrilege

11+ of the oddest and most interesting takes on Ernő Rubik's cube
Finally, a cube anyone can solve.

Ernő Rubik may have considered the Idiot's Cube possibly the antithesis of his vision for the world-renowned toy. Lacking any colored stickers, it is impossible not to solve. Or, looking at it from another perspective — it is straightforward to solve.

This cube is the perfect ironic' gift for anyone who struggles with Erno's original brain game. Never again will the owner fail to solve a Rubik's Cube.

8. The CuberSpeed Moyu 13 by 13 Magic Cube is another interesting Rubik's cube variant

11+ of the oddest and most interesting takes on Ernő Rubik's cube
Is this for real?

The Cuberspeed Magic Cube certainly takes Ernő Rubik's concept to new heights. It's undoubtedly imposing to look at and even more intimating to try to solve.

Judging by its size, this will certainly keep the hands of the most dedicated Rubik's cube enthusiast busy for many hours, if not years. If all else fails, you could use it as a brightly-colored paperweight.

9. The Braille Rubik's Cube means even the visually impaired can get frustrated trying to solve one

11+ of the oddest and most interesting takes on Ernő Rubik's cube
This is a fantastic idea.

"Share and share alike," as the adage goes, so why should the visually impaired be spared the frustration of trying to solve a Rubik's Cube? This is where the Braillecube comes into its own. 

Specifically designed for the blind, this cube is a true 'leveler' of a puzzle. Not seeing is no excuse for trying your hand at this classic puzzle.

10. This Mega Sudoku-Rubik's Cube Hybrid is a challenge on many levels

11+ of the oddest and most interesting takes on Ernő Rubik's cube
Why not solve two of the world's most challenging things?

This somewhat obvious upgrade to Ernő Rubik's classic mixes the Cube with another challenging cube-shaped puzzle — Sudoku. This is where this ingenious amalgamation of Sudoku and the Rubik's Cube comes in.

The V-Cube, Sudoku-themed three-by-three-by-three Rotational Speed Cube, perfectly blends these two well-loved puzzles. It will test you on many levels and be a worthy challenge for any Sudoku and Rubik's Cube enthusiast.

11. The V-Cube Maze Puzzle Rubik's cube should be a worthy challenge

11+ of the oddest and most interesting takes on Ernő Rubik's cube
This is probably alot harder than it looks.

The V-Cube 3-Maze Cube is certainly one of the most interesting takes on Erno's original. It comes in 75 designs and should be an excellent challenge for any Rubik's Cube veteran.

It looks great and would be an intriguing addition to any Rubik's Cube collection. Its labyrinthine combinations and unusual take on the classic puzzle are undoubtedly worth a crack — good luck.

To be fair, if you can solve the classic Rubik's Cube, this cube shouldn't be that tricky to solve three; it will just take you longer. Still, you won't be speed-solving this bad boy anytime soon. 

Bonus 1 - Possibly the hardest-ever Rubik's cube is the one-by-one-by-one cube

11+ of the oddest and most interesting takes on Ernő Rubik's cube
Possibly the world's hardest Rubik's cube.

If you think the other cubes on this list are tricky, wait until you cast your eyes and fingers on the mighty one-by-one-by-one cube! 

In case you haven't noticed, we are joking. This cube comes solved and obviously can never be scrambled. But it would make a great practical joke for that Rubik's Cube fanatic in your life!

Bonus 2 - The Ghost Cube will undoubtedly challenge you

11+ of the oddest and most interesting takes on Ernő Rubik's cube
Good luck with this one.

And finally, another interesting take on the Rubik's Cube is the so-called Ghost Cube. A shape-shifting cube, this classic Rubik's Cube variant will drive you crazy.

It was invented in 2008 by Adam G. Cowan and is considered one of the most complex three-by-three-by-three families of Rubik's cubes. If you fancy a real challenge, this one might be your perfect choice!

And that, Rubik's Cube fans, is all for today. 

The Rubik's Cube is one of the world's most successful puzzles, both feared and loved equally. But, if you thought the original was hard enough, we challenge you to try some of the above.

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