NYT Strands for today: clues, spangram, and solutions for Tuesday, April 22.

      Strands is a new daily puzzle offered by the New York Times. It provides a more challenging version of the traditional word search, requiring a sharp eye to crack the puzzle. Similar to Wordle, Connections, and the Mini Crossword, Strands can pose difficulties on certain days. There's no harm in seeking a bit of assistance occasionally. If you find yourself stuck and wish to see the answers for today’s Strands puzzle, look at the solved puzzle below.

      How to Play Strands

      Each Strands puzzle begins with the aim of locating the “theme words” that are concealed within the letter grid. You can manipulate the letters by dragging or tapping to form words; double-tap the final letter to confirm it. When you identify a correct word, the letters will be highlighted in blue and will no longer be selectable.

      If you spot a word that isn't a theme word, it can still be beneficial! For every three non-theme words you discover that are at least four letters long, you'll receive a hint — one of the letters from a theme word will be shown, and you'll need to unscramble it.

      Every single letter in the grid contributes to the theme words, and there is no overlap. Each letter will be used exactly once. Each puzzle contains one "spangram," a distinct theme word (or words) that pertains to the puzzle's theme and connects two opposite sides of the board. When you discover the spangram, it will be highlighted in yellow.

      The objective is to complete the puzzle swiftly while minimizing the use of hints.

      Hint for Today’s Strands Puzzle

      The theme for today is “Counter offers.”

      Here’s a clue that may assist you: your morning pick-me-up.

      Today’s Strands Answers

      NYT

      Today’s Spangram

      We’ll start with the spangram, which might aid in uncovering the theme and solving the rest of the puzzle independently:

      CAFEMENU

      Today’s Strands Answers

      CHAI

      ESPRESSO

      JUICES

      PASTRIES

      SOUP

      SANDWICHES

      Jesse Lennox has been writing for Digital Trends for over four years and has no intention of stopping. He covers a wide range of topics...

      3 New Xbox Game Pass Games to Play This Weekend (April 18-20)

      Last week was significant for new day-one Game Pass titles, and next week appears to be even more exciting with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 being added. However, there are many other games joining the catalog besides this upcoming Xbox Series X title, making it an excellent opportunity to try out some smaller, lesser-known games. We're not suggesting you tackle a lengthy RPG that you won't finish before Expedition, but rather a variety of shorter titles that are perfect for a weekend of entertainment. Why not try something a bit different this weekend with one of these games?

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      Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Start Next Week, Accessories to Cost More

      If you've been eager to preorder the Nintendo Switch 2, good news: the wait is over, and you can place your preorder starting April 24. Despite concerns regarding tariffs, the price remains the same. The Nintendo Switch 2 will sell for $450 for just the console or $500 for the Mario Kart World bundle; however, accessory prices have been increased "due to changes in market conditions." Nintendo mentions that "other price adjustments for any Nintendo product are possible in the future."

      In its announcement, Nintendo states, "We apologize for the delay in retail pre-orders and hope this alleviates some of the uncertainty our customers may feel. We appreciate our customers' patience and share their excitement in experiencing the Nintendo Switch 2 starting June 5, 2025."

      Some Nintendo Switch 2 Game Cards Will Also Work on the Original Switch

      Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, but according to publisher Marvelous, the same cartridge will be compatible with the original Nintendo Switch. Even the "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" of the game will operate on the old model — though you won't receive the upgraded version with graphical improvements.

      "There’s no need to download the complete game," the team explains on Guardians of Azuma's FAQ page. "Just insert the card into either a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 console, and the appropriate version will launch automatically." The game will be released on both consoles, but the only distinction in the game cards is that the Nintendo Switch 2 version includes the Upgrade Pack along with the game.