Rubik's Cube: 50 Years of Twists & Turns

0:00It's March 30, I'm Cory with the story, this is entertainment in celebrity news, today driven by AI and built for the culture. The Rubik's Cube, that classic brain twister invented by Hungarian sculptor Erno Rubik in the 1970s, just keeps spinning. It snagged its official U.S. patent on March 29, 1983, after debuting at the New York Toy Fair in 1980. One cube holds over 43 quintillion possible combinations, making it a puzzle beast that hooks folks worldwide. Millions get sold and solved every year, proving it's staying power. Back in 2017, retail sales exploded to $250 million, showing how this toy turned into a global smash. We all remember those classroom kids who cracked it, while the rest of us twisted in frustration. Even celebs jumped in, like Justin Bieber solving one on the late late show, with James Corden in 2015, and that clip blew up online. Fast forward to its 50th anniversary in 2024, and Rubik's dropped special editions to celebrate.

1:04The classic 3x3 model runs about $13 now, while a magnetic speed cube, two pack, with a two by two version, goes for $20. Dollars, built for smoother, faster solves. From childhood challenges to speed solving pros, the Rubik's Cube proves some toys are timeless, always ready for the next twist.