Murray Gell-Mann performed a similar trick 50 years ago in an attempt to make sense of the plethora of particles that was then emerging from experiments.

ECONOMIST: A shape could describe the cosmos and all it contains

The trick: cut lengthwise down the root and make sure each piece has a bit of the side roots.

WSJ: In the Garden, Divide and Multiply: Weekend Gardener

To accomplish the trick, he trimmed the Game Boy's circuit board to make room for the guts of a Wiimote, which he then connected to the buttons.

ENGADGET