Well, technically sudoku (originally known as number place) wasnt invented in japan. But thats where it has recently become so popular that they can be purchased in vending machines across the country. But then you can buy lots of strange stuff in vending machines in japan, so, on second thought, not sure if thats testimony to its popularity. Well, just trust us then. Sudoku is so popular and if you havent heard of it by now, it is very unlikely that you are japanese. Ok, moving along then.. But thinkgeek, that was all babble, what is sudoku really?. Very basically sudoku is a puzzle that you solve using a proper combination of logic and patience. Using less of the former requires you to use significantly more of the latter. To get specific sudoku consists of a grid of 81 squares, divided into nine blocks of nine squares each. Some squares contain figures. Your task is to fill the remaining empty cells, so that each row, column and region contains one instance of every number from one to nine. Programmers flock to sudoku like they do to recursive algorithms. Creative types will enjoy the challenge of using their left brain again. What you get: handheld electronic sudoku game with touchscreen and stylus. 8 Difficulty settings. Pre-programmed with over 1 million puzzles. Date, time and alarm functions. Requires 2 aaa batteries, not included.