When it comes to smart chessboards that combine tech with tradition, Square Off is one of the most recognizable names out there.
Their boards don’t just look good; they move pieces by themselves, let you play against people from around the world, and connect to major platforms like Chess.com and Lichess.
But here’s the big question that buyers often face: Should you go for the Square Off Neo or the Grand Kingdom Set?
These are two very different boards aimed at players of very different types. Both look great on the surface, but they serve different needs. If you’re stuck between them, this article will break it all down.
Let’s compare them side by side and help you figure out which one is worth your money.
What is Square Off About?
Square Off burst onto the scene a few years ago with a groundbreaking idea: a chessboard that plays with you. The pieces move by themselves.
It wasn’t just a gimmick. Square Off boards are connected to the internet, powered by AI, and can be synced with chess platforms.
You can play with a friend on the other side of the world, and their move will physically happen on your board. It’s a mix of Harry Potter magic and modern robotics.
The company currently offers a few products, but the Neo and the Grand Kingdom Set are the two that get the most attention.
Square Off Neo
Let’s start with the Square Off Neo. This is the company’s more affordable option, designed for casual and online players.
What Makes the Neo Stand Out?
The Neo is lightweight, portable, and smart. It doesn’t utilize the same automated mechanics as the premium boards, but it still tracks every move with sensors and supports online play.
Bluetooth powers the Neo and connects to the Square Off app. Through the app, you can play against the board’s built-in AI or connect to real opponents from Chess.com and Lichess. The moves show up on your mobile device, and you replicate them on the physical board.
We will now show you why the Neo is a solid pick.
Key Features of Square Off Neo
Smart Board: Tracks piece movement using advanced sensors.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Pairs with smartphones and tablets easily.
Online Integration: Play against global opponents via chess websites like Lichess and Chess.com.
Built-in AI: Choose from multiple difficulty levels to train.
Companion App: Analyze games, save them, and review them later.
Lightweight & Portable: Good for travel, kids, or smaller desks.
Who Should Buy the Neo?
If you’re an online player who still wants the feel of physical pieces, the Neo is a great choice. It’s perfect for:
- Casual players
- Beginners
- Students
- Parents buying for chess-playing kids
You get a digital experience without sacrificing the feel of the board.
Price: $200
Any Downsides?
Yes. The Neo doesn’t have complete auto-moving pieces. While it features a robotic arm underneath the board that can move pieces, user interaction is required to remove captured pieces and initiate moves.
The board will light up the square where a piece needs to be moved, and the user must physically remove the captured piece and place the moving piece on the designated square.
Also, while the board is sleek, it’s made of plastic and feels less luxurious than its more expensive sibling.
Grand Kingdom Set: The Premium Experience
Now let’s talk about the Square Off Grand Kingdom Set. This is the flagship product. The board that got everyone talking. If the Neo is about utility and budget, the Kingdom Set is about the wow factor.
This board moves the pieces for you. It uses magnets, robotics, and silent motors. It’s the closest thing you’ll find to playing against an invisible opponent who politely slides their knight across the board.
Why the Grand Kingdom Set is So Popular
This set is designed to feel like a high-end chessboard while delivering futuristic functionality. It has the traditional look of a tournament wooden board, but every piece movement is automatic.
It’s one of the few smart chessboards on the market with this level of automation at this quality.
Key Features of the Grand Kingdom Set
Auto-Moving Pieces: Watch your opponent’s moves unfold on the board in real time.
Bluetooth + Wi-Fi Enabled: Play from anywhere.
Live Play via App: Battle online opponents or built-in AI.
Wooden Finish: Polished, elegant, and worthy of a display shelf.
Analyze and Save Games: Use the app to go over your games.
Long Battery Life: Easily lasts several sessions on a single charge.
Who is the Grand Kingdom Set For?
This set is made for serious chess lovers who want the whole smart board experience:
- Intermediate to advanced players
- Collectors
- Streamers and content creators
- Clubs and schools
- Gift buyers looking for a “wow” chess gift
It’s not cheap, but it’s a one-of-a-kind piece of tech and luxury.
Price: $249 to $399
Any Downsides?
Just one, the price. The Grand Kingdom Set is expensive. And while it’s worth it for serious players or collectors, casual players may find it too much.
Also, the board is heavier and less portable. If you want something for travel, this isn’t it.
Which One Should You Buy?
It all depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re a beginner or someone who just wants to play and learn, the Square Off Neo gives you all the smart features at a reasonable price.
If you want the full futuristic experience, with pieces moving like magic and a beautiful board to show off, the Grand Kingdom Set is the clear winner.
Both integrate with major platforms. Both offer a good experience. But one is about function, and the other is about flair.
Current User Feedback
Neo Users love the solid tech and ease of use.
Grand Kingdom Users are constantly impressed by the robotic movement. It makes playing feel like a show.
Both boards work well with online play and apps. Integration with Chess.com and Lichess is a big win for all users.
Final Thoughts
Square Off has done something incredible; they’ve made chess feel futuristic without stripping it of its soul.
The Neo brings tech to the average chess lover. The Grand Kingdom Set makes every game feel like a performance.
So whether you’re just learning or you’ve been playing for decades, there’s a Square Off board that fits your style.
In the end, it’s not just about how you play chess. It’s about how you experience it.