How to Fold Star Trek 60th Anniversary Shashibo Shapes

By Fun In Motion Toys | Published: 2026-10-19

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the basics of folding your Star Trek 60th Anniversary Shashibo, from the first twist to creating recognizable shapes. Includes common mistakes and tips.

Quick Answer

Start by mastering the basic Shashibo fold: hold the cube with both hands, twist the top half 90 degrees, then pull the two halves apart to reveal the first transformation. Practice this motion until it feels smooth before moving on to more complex shapes.

Why the Basic Fold Matters

The Star Trek 60th Anniversary Shashibo is a magnetic puzzle cube that transforms into over 100 shapes. Every shape, from the simplest to the most intricate, begins with the same fundamental folds. If you rush past these basics, you'll struggle with the more advanced transformations and may even get the magnets stuck.

The first few folds are also where you build the muscle memory needed to handle the cube confidently. The 36 internal magnets give the cube a satisfying snap, but they also require a deliberate, controlled touch. Rushing or yanking can cause the pieces to separate or the magnets to fight you.

The Challenge of the 100+ Shapes

While the Shashibo can form more than 100 shapes, you don't need to learn them all at once. Most folders start with a handful of recognizable shapes—like the cube, the pyramid, and the star—and expand from there. The key is to focus on the transitions between shapes rather than the end result.

A common frustration is when a shape doesn't look like the picture in the instructions. This usually happens because a fold was made in the wrong direction or a panel wasn't fully aligned. Checking your alignment at each step is more important than speed.

Step-by-Step Folding Guide

Step 1: Start with the Cube: Hold the Shashibo in its cube form with both hands, thumbs on the top and fingers underneath. Make sure the cube is aligned and all panels are flush. Check that the cube is perfectly square before you begin; a misaligned start will throw off every subsequent fold.
Step 2: Twist the Top Half: Rotate the top half of the cube 90 degrees clockwise, while keeping the bottom half steady. You should feel the magnets click into a new position. Use a smooth, deliberate motion. If you feel resistance, you're twisting the wrong way—stop and realign.
Step 3: Pull Apart the Two Halves: Gently pull the two halves apart, letting the cube open into a new shape. This is your first transformation. Don't pull too hard; the magnets will release naturally when the fold is correct.
Step 4: Fold Along the New Hinges: Identify the new hinges created by the previous fold. Fold the panels along these hinges to begin forming a recognizable shape, like a pyramid or a star. Keep your fingers on the panels you're folding to avoid accidental re-folding of other sections.
Step 5: Practice the Reverse Fold: To return to the cube, reverse the exact same steps: fold along the hinges, push the halves together, and twist back. If the cube doesn't close smoothly, you may have skipped a fold—go back and retrace your steps.
Step 6: Experiment with Variations: Once you're comfortable with the basic fold, try changing the direction of the twist or folding different panels to create new shapes. Refer to the included guide for ideas. Keep a record of which folds lead to which shapes—it will help you build a mental map of the cube's possibilities.

About the Star Trek 60th Anniversary Shashibo

Star Trek: 60th Anniversary Collection: The Star Trek 60th Anniversary Shashibo features two officially licensed designs inspired by the original series and uses 36 internal magnets. The official designs give you two distinct looks to collect, and the 36 magnets provide the stability you need for clean, precise folds.
Star Trek: 60th Anniversary Collection