Rubik's 360 - New Rubik Puzzle Will Be Revealed at Toy Fair

Although it's to early in the year to speculate about the top toys of 2009, one can't help but wonder if the soon-to-be revealed Rubik's 360 will be among them.

The Rubik's 360 is scheduled to be shown at the Nuremburg Toy Fair 2009 (which is considered to be the top toy fair in the industry). The Rubik's 360 will be a round puzzle with interior tunnels and marbles. This latest Rubik's puzzle was also invented and developed by the original Rubik's Cube creator, Erno Rubik.

There has been very little information about the Rubik's 360 revealed as of yet, but that should change once the Rubik's 360 is officially revealed at the Nuremburg Toy Fair.

Many people of my generation have fond (if not frustrating) memories of long afternoons trying to solve the Rubik's Cube, and those of us who are now parents can revisit those times when they introduce their own children to the Rubik's Cube. Both generations can enjoy solving the Rubik's 360 after it's release this summer.

While the popularity of the Rubik's 360 remains to be seen (commercial release of the Rubik's 360 isn't scheduled until summer 2009), the original Rubik's Cube still has an active and devoted following. Many people post Rubik's Cube videos on the internet, including very small children solving the puzzle as well as people solving the Rubik's Cube with their feet or while blind-folded. The most impressive feat has to include those who can solve the Rubik's Cube in a matter of seconds.

Many Rubik's Cube lovers have taken their passion to new heights, forming "speed cubing" clubs all over the world. There is even an official speed cubing website (see related links) which posts competition dates and results.

Many educators and teachers have taken advantage of the popularly of the Rubik's Cube and have incorporated it into lesson plans. Seven Towns Ltd (the owners of the Rubik's Cube and Rubik's 360 trade rights) has even created a section on their website for teachers and parents looking for materials for use in their lessons. Please visit the related links section of this article for a link to the official Rubik's Cube website for these and other materials.

If you've seen the Rubik's 360 in person at the Nuremberg Toy Fair or have personally played with one, please leave your thoughts about the Rubik's 360 in the comments section of this article and let us know what you thought of the Rubik's 360 puzzle.