Curious of the history of GAN, a renowned speed cube and twisty puzzle manufacturer? Read on to learn about their history in the speed cube space.

History

2009-2013

GAN, or GANCUBE was founded in 2014 by Mr. Gan-Yuan Jiang, but orignally started researching and designing their own version of a 3x3 twisty puzzle in 2009. In 2013, under the name GansCube, GAN released the GAN3, which featured basic corner-cutting and solid performance for a puzzle from 2013.

2014

GAN 357

The year after, in 2014 the GAN357 was released, the first in their long-running 3-digit series, with the first digit referring to the number of layers/order of puzzle, and the second two digits referring to the puzzle's edge-to-edge size, being 57mm.

Source: https://www.gancube.com/gan357 

This was a time where puzzles sometimes required heavy modification to achieve the best performance with the designs at the time, with big cubes especially sometimes calling for modification. There was a cotton "mod" for the GAN 357, where some cubers put cotton, tape or foam inside the GAN 357 to reduce the sound of the turns - something of which GAN has heavily improved upon in the coming years with later puzzles such as the GAN X being one of the quietest models on the market.

GAN 357 Ultimate

The GAN 357 Ultimate was an upgrade to the GAN 357, boasting more "handmade" care taken to assemble the puzzle.

Source: https://www.gancube.com/gan357u 

2015

GAN 356, 356 S and S V2

From 2015 to 2018, GAN released their widely popular 356 series, with Australian Feliks Zemdegs breaking the world record with the GAN 356S, the successor of the original GAN 356. This was shortly followed up with the 356S V2, with modifications to the center caps, core, and piece design for heightened performance. These series only came in stickered plastic.

Multiple different "editions" of the 356's were available, with some

Source: https://www.gancube.com/gan356sv2

2016

GAN 356 Air

In 2016, GAN released the GAN 356 Air, the first to feature their Gan Elasticity System, GES, nuts, which were a set of springs encased in interchangeable nuts of varying spring elasticity. It also boasted an updated piece design, with the puzzle weighing in at light 73g, and better anti-pop and anti-corner twist design.

Source: https://www.gancube.com/gan356air

2017

GAN 249 2x2

In 2017, GAN made its first foray into a non-3x3 twisty puzzle, the GAN 249 2x2, a magnetic 49mm 2x2. The puzzle featured the same core as found in the 3x3, and boasted "full-fitted" tiles in their stickerless model. This was shortly followed up by a 249 V2, which had brighter shades. Both puzzles came in stickered and stickerless plastic.

GAN 356 Air UM

Perhaps their most important advancement, the GAN 356 Air UM and SM were the first to feature corner-edge magnet positioning system. The puzzle also came with the same set of GES nuts that the Master edition of the 356 Air came with.

Source: https://www.gancube.com/gan356-air-um 

GAN 356 Air SM

The SM, which stood for "Superspeed Magneto", added dedicated slots for the 3x2mm magnets to be placed in, alongside an upgraded core and same GES nut system. The puzzle launched alongside the GAN 356 Air S, the nonmagnetic version of the same puzzle.

Source: https://www.gancube.com/gan356airsm 

2018

GAN RSC and GSC

In 2018, GAN released their RSC product, in collaboration with Rubik's brand for the Red Bull Rubik's Cube World Championship. It featured a tiled design, and a more traditional piece design in comparison to the rounded edges and squared-off corners that are found on standard GAN 3x3s. They also released the GAN GSC, which had the same design but a GAN logo instead of the Rubik's speed cube logo.

Source: https://www.gancube.com/rsc-entry 

GAN 356 X

GAN also released their GAN 356 X. Importantly, the GAN 356 X featured new interchangeable magnets, which came in small capsules that were interchangeable, which GAN called GAN Magnetic System GMS. Alongside this, the core was upgraded, and their interchangeable GES was replaced with "GES+", where the spring elasticity and distance could be tensioned individually by hand to preset settings. This puzzle was also the re-emergence of stickerless 3x3 options being made available by GAN. An alternative version with standard GES nuts was also available.

Source: https://www.gancube.com/gan356-x 

GAN 460 M 4x4

The GAN 460 M 4x4 was GAN's first 4x4, featuring full magnetisation and outer layers that turn almost identically to a 3x3. However, the inner layers made this puzzle not as popular among top solvers on release.

GAN 356 i Bluetooth 3x3

The same year, GAN released their first Bluetooth puzzle, which has full motion tracking, enabling detailed solve statistics such as turns per second, rotations, and move count.

GAN Robot

The companion to the 356 i, the robot could scramble and solve the 356i.

GAN 354 M

The GAN 354 M is similar to the GAN 356 X, except 2mm smaller than the 56mm puzzle. It features 4 elasticity options with GES v3, and came in stickered and stickerless plastics.

Source: https://www.gancube.com/GAN354M 

GAN 356 R

GAN's attempt at a budget puzzle, the 356 R was a non-magnetic 3x3. However, the puzzle had middling performance and was not very popular, likely due to being non-magnetic when cubers have come to expect refined, magnetic puzzles from GAN.

2019

GAN Megaminx

In 2019, GAN released their very first megaminx, aptly named the GAN Megaminx. The GAN megaminx is a light weight, factory magnetic megaminx which utilises the GES system present in their NxN puzzles, to allow customizability of spring tension. The puzzle has moderate strength magnets.

Read what is a megaminx? The best megaminxes.

GAN Megaminx (Magnetic)

$ 57.95

GAN Megaminx Magnetic is a light weight, factory magnetic megaminx which utilizes GAN's popular GES spring system. This item comes with four different GES spring options which are easily interchangeable and offer a different feel. Same as other GAN cubes,… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<

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GAN 356 R

The GAN 356 R is GAN's attempt at a budget 3x3 speed cube, a revised version of the 356 S. The puzzle features an older core design and the same GES, although not with spare GES nuts. This puzzle was non-magnetic.

GAN 356 XS

The follow-up to the widely successful 356 X, the 356 XS is GAN's 2019 flagship model, offering a high level of customization, featuring 4 tension settings, 6 spring compression settings, 3 magnet strength settings, and a frosted exterior finish on the stickerless model. 

GAN 356 i Bluetooth 3x3 V2

An updated version of the original 356i, the V2 features some internal functionality such as the ability to view the charging status through the app and stability improvements.

GAN Robot V2

Updated version of the original GAN robot. Version 2 features the upgraded internals from the limited edition blue/white model which enables the robot to solve your cube even faster!

GAN 356 RS

The 356 RS is the 2020 update to the 356 R, using the same "S" naming convention similar to that of the original 356 and its successor the 356S.  The 356 RS includes a lot of new improvements to the core through the GES and IPG systems. Additionally, a new honeycomb design is implemented to ensure that the lubricant is evenly distributed on the pieces for the smoothest feel. The RS comes with yellow GES pre-installed.

Again, this puzzle was not very popular likely due to being non-magnetic.

GAN 356 X V2

GAN updated the popular 356 X in 2020 to include features from the newly released 356 XS resulting in the GAN 356 X Magnetic 3x3 V2. Retaining the same piece design, the 356 X V2 possesses the same buttery smooth turning and interchangeable magnet system from the original 356 X. The core is where we most of the updates - the 356 X V2 receives the same core from the 356 XS which included a dual adjustment spring compression system and an all-plastic core.

GAN 356 I Play Bluetooth 3x3

The GAN 356 i Play Bluetooth 3x3 is an economy version of the 356 i, the only difference being the removal of the gyroscope technology. The 356 i Play is still compatible with the mobile app and GAN robot and features the same great performance.

GAN 354 Magnetic 3x3 V2

The GAN 354 Magnetic 3x3 V2 is an updated version of the original GAN 354 3x3. While performance is the same as the first version, the V2 features frosted plastic and a Numerical IPG core equipped with purple GES springs.

GAN 356 Magnetic 3x3 (and Lite version)

The GAN 356 Magnetic 3x3 is not to be confused with the original 356, and any other 356 with a suffix for that matter. Released in 2020, The GAN Magnetic 3x3 (356M)is a middle-ground option from GAN with non-adjustable magnetic strength. However, cubers will still find plenty of adjustment options through the dual-adjustment Numerical IPG core and alternate GES spring options.

The Lite edition was the same as the standard version, but did not include additional GES springs.

GAN 330 Keychain

The GAN 330 3x3 Keychain is easily the best keychain speedcube available today. Imagine taking a shrink ray to a 356 XS and this is your end result (excluding the GES and magnets). The fact that the pieces even have the signature GAN honeycomb really says a lot about the attention to detail and the performance of the GAN 330. The included silicone GANCUBE lanyard is very durable.

GAN Infinity 356 and 354

A "customizable" GAN cube, where the user can select the plastic colors and basic setup, exclusive to the manufacturer.

2020

GAN 356 Air M

The GAN 356 Air M 3x3 is a stripped down version of the flagship, GAN 356 XS. The adjustable magnets are omitted in favor of moderate strength magnets, but still has a dual-adjustment spring compression system and very fast turning.

GAN Magnetic Pyraminx

GAN's first pyraminx, the GAN Magnetic Pyraminx features an all-new core-edge magnetic positioning system that greatly improves the feel and performance. The puzzle come in 3 editions, the Standard, "Explorer" and "Enhanced" Versions.

GAN 11 M Pro

The GAN 11 M Pro was GAN's 2020 flagship model, adopting a new naming scheme straying away from the "356" moniker. The cube boasted further customizability from the 356 X and XS, and new exterior finishes.

Key features

• Adjustable magnet strength
• Dual-adjustment core for independent spring compression & tension
• Corner/core magnet positioning system
• Interchangeable corner/core magnets

Overview

• Easy to customize
• 4 tension settings
• 6 spring compression settings
• 3 magnet strength settings
• Honeycomb piece design for smoother turning
• Magnetic core

Accessories included

• Storage bag ($3 values)
• Premium case
• Adjustment tools
• Alternative strength magnets

GAN Magnetic Skewb

GAN's first skewb, the GAN Magnetic Skewb features their GES tensioning system and the same core/corner magnet system that was introduced in the GAN 11 M Pro. The puzzle came in standard and enhanced versions, with the enhanced version featuring an "improved magnetic positioning system".

GAN 356 XS - Special Edition

This is a version of the 356 XS but featuring primary internals rather than black internals, and different packaging.

2021

GAN 356 i Carry Bluetooth 3x3

In 2021, GAN updated their 356 i again, now featuring an interchangeable battery and performance comparable to the GAN 11 M Pro, GAN's 2020 flagship. However this puzzle does not feature a gyroscope. The puzzle pairs with the same "Cube Station" mobile application via bluetooth. GAN advertises that the pre-installed battery is good for 280 hours of use before needing to be charged.

GAN Smart Timer

The GAN smart timer is GAN's first cubing-aimed timer, which boasts automatic pariing to the Cube Station application, with the ability to also automatically record a rolling average of 5. The timer has a 2.5mm auxiliary output, and the buttons will "freeze" for 1 second after a solve is completed to prevent accidental resets. The timer comes in both black and grey plastic colors.

GAN 330 3x3 Keychain (Limited Edition)

The same as the original 330 Keychain, but comes in "limited edition" colors - including blue, brown, min, purple, red and yellow plastic colors. The puzzle does not come with stickers - but can be purchased separately here.

GAN 11 M Duo and 11 Air

The 11 M Duo is identical to the 2020 11 M Pro flagship, but omits the adjustable magnets in favor of a cheaper price tag. The 11 Air is the same, but omits magnets in general - this puzzle was not as popular in comparison.

GAN Timer Mat

Compatible only with the GAN timer, the GAN timer mat features the GAN logo prominently in the center surrounded by monumental record times and their dates and scrambles.

GAN 251 M Leap, Pro and Air

GAN has a pattern of releasing their models in groups of threes. The GAN 251 M is the succesor to the GAN 249, with a 2mm larger edge-to-edge length of 51mm. The Pro comes with adjustable magnets, and corner/core magnet system, and with the Leap including adjustable magnets, corner/core magnet system, and "large-angle magnetic alignment technology".

The 251 Leap comes in two exterior finishes

GAN Cube Display Stand

The GAN Cube display stand has a unique design, with 2 display settings, allowing the cube to spin on the stand in 45-degree increments, and unlocked, allowing the cube to spin freely to stand. The standard version holds most 56mm 3x3 speedcubes, whilst the smart cube version is only compatible with GAN smart cubes.

GAN 11 M and 11 Air

The 11 M is a stripped down version of the 11 M Pro, that doesn't feature the "fancy magnet stuff" - only magnetized through the standard edge-corner magnetization, omitting the corner-core magnet system. However, the GAN 11 Air is completely non-magnetic version of the 11 M Pro.

GAN 11 M Pro Mini

A mini version of the 11 M Pro! With a 53mm size, the puzzle features the same adjustable magnet strength, dual-adjustment core for independence spring compression and tension, and corner-core magnet positioning system from the original 11 M Pro, just in a smaller size.

GAN 12 M

The 2021 flagship, the GAN 12 M boast an updated corner-core magnet system, coming in two versions.

MAGLEV key features

• Magnetic repulsion technology
• UV coated exterior (high gloss, improved grip)
• Enhanced core positioning 2.0 auto aligning technology
• No springs required
• Faster turning feel

LEAP key features

• Enhanced core positioning 2.0 auto aligning technology
• Frosted exterior
• 64 magnets
• Numerical GTN tensioning system
• 6 corner magnet settings

What Cube to Buy?

3x3

For the absolute best of the best, you cannot go wrong with the GAN 12 M Maglev or Leap versions. Both cubes offer the latest in cubing hardware and you won't be disappointed.

If you can do away with adjustable magnets, the GAN 11 M Duo is a solid option, featuring the same performance as the GAN 11 M Pro, GAN's flagship of 2020, but omitting the adjustable magnet option for a more moderate magnet feel - which makes the price cheaper than that of the GAN 11 M Pro.

We can also recommend checking out our markdowns section, where GAN flagships from 2018-2019 are on sale, providing a good price for the features and accessories.

The GAN 356 Magnetic 3x3 is currently on sale for a low $28.95, one of the lowest for a magnetic factory GAN 3x3 puzzle.