Phase Distorter

Item from EarthBound by Shigesato Itoi / Nintendo

A series of time-and-space-traveling devices built by Dr. Andonuts, Apple Kid, and the Mr. Saturns — each version more desperate than the last, culminating in the machine that sends children's souls into robot bodies.

The Phase Distorter is built in three iterations. The first is stolen by Pokey before the party can use it. The second, shaped like a Mr. Saturn and powered by Zexonyte from the meteorite, transports the party to the present version of the Cave of the Past. The third enables actual time travel to the past — but time travel destroys organic bodies, so Dr. Andonuts must transfer the children's souls into robot bodies first. This is presented as both a practical necessity and a horrifying sacrifice, and the party agrees without hesitation. The Phase Distorter represents EarthBound's escalation from suburban adventure to cosmic sacrifice.

Appearance

The Phase Distorter 2 looks like a Mr. Saturn — round and distinctive. The Phase Distorter 3 is the final version used for time travel to the past. The first version was stolen by Pokey before it could be used.

Also known as: Phase Distorter 2, Phase Distorter 3, Space Distorter

What They Know

• Three versions built — first stolen by Pokey, second travels through space, third through time
• Phase Distorter 2 looks like a Mr. Saturn and requires Zexonyte to operate
• Phase Distorter 3 requires soul transfer into robot bodies — time travel destroys flesh
• Built by Dr. Andonuts, Apple Kid, and the Mr. Saturns
• Assembled in Saturn Valley for the final journey
• A destroyed Phase Distorter is found in the present Cave of the Past — left by Pokey

Connections

• created_by — dr-andonuts
• created_by — apple-kid
• created_by — mr-saturn
• stolen_by — pokey-minch
• transports_to — cave-of-the-past

View full profile at Simulacra.Ink