Chess is a game of strategy and logic, so it’s pieces don’t really have to be that flashy or interesting. But that’s not stopping the Etsy store Lasermad from creating the Nixie chess set. This is a chess set with its pieces made out of antiquated vacuum tubes that light up in the most glorious way possible. It’s beautiful to say the least, and combines the wonderful styles of retro technology and chess.
Lasermad is an online Etsy store based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The pieces glow without needing to be plugged in due to the fact that they’re powered by induction coils.
Source: Popular Mechanics
Our inner nerd is screaming and shouting for joy.
Source: Boing Boing
They also display symbols to tell you which piece is which.
Sadly though, they‘re quite expensive, retailing for over $660. Not only that, but once ordered, you have to wait for 8-10 weeks since the board is assembled by hand. While there has been a Nixie tube revival this year, with attempts to replicate this chess board for a cheaper price, the Nixie tubes that display symbols instead of numbers are very, very rare. “Once they’re gone, that’s it. Game over,” says Lasermad on their website.
Source: Popular Mechanics
But I guess that’s the price you have to pay for this beautiful chess pieces. We say it’s well worth the price–especially for those of us who love the game. Now we just gotta stack up some cash in that bank account of ours.
Article Sources:
