The YuXin Mini Tiger 2x2 is the small version, with a keyring clip, of YuXin’s 2x2 tiger. It’s a shape mod: it keeps the mechanism of a 2x2 cube, but the shell forms a tiger and each colour corresponds to a part of the animal.

• BrandYuXin
• Type2x2 keyring shape mod
• MagnetsNo
• IncludesDetachable keyring clip

How it works

Inside it’s a 2x2 with two layers per axis and eight corner pieces. When you scramble it, the tiger figure breaks apart; to solve it you have to return each piece to its place with the correct orientation until the animal is whole again. The methods are those of a normal 2x2, but you need to recognise the pieces by their shape and pattern, not just by colour.

Design

It’s considerably smaller than the full-size 2x2 tiger from the same brand and shares its format with the mini panda. Because of its size it doesn’t lend itself to fast finger turning: some users find it stiff at first and smoother after using it for a while. The clip can be removed to leave it as a standalone figure. As with all 2x2s, it’s best not to force a corner to twist on itself, and hanging from your keys it’s normal for scuff marks to appear.

What level is it for?

It works as a little extra for anyone who already solves the 2x2, as part of a shape mod collection or as a first step into shape puzzles.