The March 6 edition of the NYT Mini Crossword delivered an entertaining mix of gaming, literature, and everyday phrases, making it one of the more enjoyable puzzles this week.
A standout clue was “Nintendo princess”, leading to the answer ZELDA. This reference to Princess Zelda from The Legend of Zelda franchise thrilled Nintendo fans. As CNET pointed out, gaming-related crossword clues have become more frequent, reflecting the wider cultural impact of video games.
Memorable Clues and Solutions
Across Answers:
- ZAP – The sound of a mosquito being electrocuted.
- ZINE – A small-batch niche publication.
- ZELDA – The legendary Nintendo princess.
- ORCS – Evil creatures from The Lord of the Rings.
- OOH – A cry of excitement.
Down Answers:
- ZILCH – A synonym for “zip” or “nothing.”
- ANDS – Completing the phrase “No ifs, ___ or buts.”
- PEA – A round vegetable often found in stir-fry dishes.
- ZERO – Another synonym for “zip” or “nothing.”
- ZOO – How parents might describe a home full of toddlers.
Why Today’s Puzzle Was So Enjoyable
The NYT Mini Crossword is known for being short yet clever, and today’s clues were no exception. Wordplay enthusiasts especially appreciated how multiple clues played on the idea of “nothing”, with both ZILCH and ZERO appearing in the grid.
Additionally, the balance between gaming, literature, and everyday phrases made for a fun and well-rounded puzzle experience.
For those who love pop culture-infused crosswords, today’s Nintendo nod with Zelda made the puzzle even more delightful. As crossword fans look ahead, they can only hope for more gaming references in future puzzles!
