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Before you get started reading about this Thing of the Week, you might want to open this video in a different tab, for the full effect (no, we’re not Rickrolling you).

Okay, now that we’re on the same page, let’s talk about the Balance Tetris by layer_by_layer. We’ve mentioned how we like to have fun at All3DP, and while browsing for models that we could highlight (from the many, many, many that are available online), this one caught our eye. Why? Well, nostalgia for one.

If I say I used to play Tetris on the Game Boy, will that hint at how old I am? (Not even the Color one.) So, I saw it and immediately thought I needed to read more about it. There are plenty versions out there, all of which represent their own obstacles and amusement, but this one added an extra challenge: the curvy base. (And I usually jump at the opportunity to make my life more complicated than it needs to be, but that’s a topic for another day. Or for therapy. Anyway…)

What, exactly, made me go for the Travel Size version? No idea; I just thought it’d be fun to have less stability in the bottom and that it’d save a bit of material.

A word of warning: It’s not fun to see the pieces topple over and lose. Or maybe that’s just me.

Fun fact: 2024 marked the 40th anniversary of Tetris. To celebrate, Digital Eclipse released Tetris Forever, a collection of some of the best versions with some additional information on the history of the game, which is highly recommendable, although the Game-Boy-version is not included (boo!)

Printing Tips

Image of: — We won't lie, it's stressful to watch the pieces fall... (Source: All3DP)

As mentioned, we opted for the Travel Size version, which is quite small and comfortable in case you’re expected to play on the go. We sliced four different plates on Bambu Studio, so that we had four distinct color plates and avoided the (in this case) unnecessary waste of color swapping. All four filaments were PLA (easy breezy to print) and the printer of choice due to proximity was Bambu Lab’s A1.

When it came to settings, we thought we’d need a brim or some first layer assistant because of the parts’ thin walls, but that wasn’t the case at all (full disclosure, the bed was heated by default to 65 °C). As a completely irrelevant note, what was cool about this is that, because we had some Bambu Lab Dynamic PLA (which is color changing depending on temperature), the filament printed white and as it started cooling down, we saw it become purple.

Other than this, no settings were changed from the default, and the parts printed nicely and with sharp edges – exactly what you need so they’ll fit when you’re trying to balance them out and beat your opponent. Or if you’re playing by yourself.

Who’s the Creator?

layer_by_layer sure likes to share some useful mods (in addition to fun ones). From a hanging wall lamp to a spinning top and a DNA incense holder, to say that he has plenty to offer feels a bit insufficient. Especially when you take a look at his YouTube channel, which includes reviews and tutorials (most of them in Portuguese – what an opportunity to learn another language if you don’t know it!).

You can follow layer_by_layer in Printables to stay up to date with all his latest uploads, and in each model, he shares ways to support him.