The X-Cube is a twisting cube logic-puzzle based on the traditional Rubik's Cube(TM), but when solved, forms a more complex "X" instead of a relatively simple 3x3 cube. Working with this puzzle will exercise important visual perception and abstract visual reasoning skills. Because of the extra challenges that come with its unique shape, this puzzle is best tackled as a next step for someone who can solve the Rubik's Cube and wants an even greater challenge. Even if "solving" is not a player's goal, it will still be better to play around with the traditional cube puzzle first as the X-Cube is not as easy to rotate and can cause frustration because it gets stuck.

• Provides sufficient and varied types of practice problems to maximize understanding and generalization of the targeted skill/concept
• Manufacturer claims alignment with Common Core/Known Standards
• Presents educational concepts accurately
• Explains answers so students can learn from mistakes
• Better for teaching the skill to new or struggling learners
• Better for practicing or refreshing the skill
• Skills are practiced through authentic, meaningful problems (not just rote practice)

• Appropriate for a broad age range to use and enjoy
• Visually appealing to children in the target age range
• Adults would enjoy playing with a child
• For electronic games, gives positive or encouraging feedback
• Offers ongoing, progressive challenge
• Overall - Enjoyable. Given the option, students would choose this option

• Provides teaching guidance for adults to support the child and set appropriate goals
• Student should be able to use independently after first use
• Student graduates to the next level or topic only after meeting a benchmark
• Can effectively understand and monitor student's progress (email report or in product)
• Does not require excessive set-up time after first time use
• Can be fun as a single player game
• Multi-player game which fosters collaboration or cooperation
• Well-made for the cost
• For electronic games, can play without sound
• For electronic games, allows user to save work
• For electronic games, voice/sounds are appealing and pronounces words properly
• Provides options to play in languages other than English/Good for ELL
• Presents information in multiple formats (voice over, pictures and text, etc.)
• Overall - Easy to use

• Abstract Reasoning
• Fine Motor Skills
• Requires challenging finger movements, motor precision or physical manipulation
• Self-regulation
• Spatial Perception
• Visual Discrimination

The X-Cube is a shape-shifting logic puzzle that adds 4 extra layers and 32 extra pieces to the original 3x3x3. It can take on 125 decillion possible permutations-- 2 quadrillion times more than the original. It is solved when it is restored into the "X" shape and has all colors oriented in the same direction. The X-Cube was invented in 2013 by Dane Christianson, who then founded Moving Parts LLC and launched successful Kickstarter campaign to fund the puzzles mass production. Perfect for cubers and puzzle fans. Helps develop cognitive abilities in children and teenagers.