I just read 1974 in the newspaper, but the “official” site said a few years later. http://www.rubiks.com/
I distinctly remember '74, because of wasting time on it when I was living in Escondido (that year only).
But my friends side with a later date.
Any private memories that would pin this down?
I think that it is not so much the origin that is the problem but the cube itself? Wouldn’t you say? I mean what is the real puzzle?
The site you gave has a brief history which seems right to me . I remember the cube’s release and it wasn’t when I was 3 years old(1974) , the late 70’s/early 80’s seems right to me .
I don’t remember which year, but their may be enough info between all of us that we can hem it in. I had a friend in college who played with one a lot and he graduated (went bye-bye) in 1978. So, by then anyway.
I remember playing with one in 1981 or 1982. They could have come out earlier, but I think that was the time they were becoming popular.
Jeffery
You know, I think it was popular in California long before it reached other areas. My friend in Carolina tried to convince me it was new ( well after I was done with it) until I showed him 2 kinds in the dusty end of the closet.
It’s the Pet Rock syndrome. Lots of new things get sent here first.
I had one in Europe in 1978, so I can confirm beatle’s date of 1978 or before.
I’d go with 1974, especially if it was in the paper. I know 78 is way too late.