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70% of Gen Z and Millennial Gamers Are Ready to Purchase a Switch 2, CNET Survey Finds

Gen Z gamers spend nearly $700 a year on new games and subscriptions. And they’re looking forward to the new Switch model the most.

The time has finally come for a new Nintendo console. Eight years after the launch of the original Nintendo Switch, the storied gaming company will release details on its highly anticipated successor, the Switch 2, this week. 

On Wednesday, April 2, Nintendo will unveil its hybrid gaming console, which can be handheld or connected to a TV. The original Switch gained popularity with different variations, including the Switch Lite and the OLED model. Further, Nintendo remains the only place gamers can enjoy beloved franchises like Mario, Zelda and Animal Crossing. 

The gaming world has evolved since the first Switch hit the scene. Nowadays, 4K graphics, virtual reality, streaming, game subscriptions and social play are increasingly important to many gamers. The new Switch has the opportunity to catch up to the technology of competitors like the Xbox Series X and Sony PlayStation 5 while maintaining a family-friendly, portable format that’s more accessible to everyone. Gamers everywhere are excited about what Nintendo will reveal next. 

A new CNET survey finds that over half of US gaming adults (58%) are interested in buying the Switch 2 but are considering a few factors ahead of the launch. By the numbers, 27% are looking for an affordable price tag, while others hope new games for the Nintendo franchise and improved technology will meet their expectations. 

And after years of waiting, loyal Nintendo gamers are ready for a new and improved system — and to pass down the older one. However, the big question is, will the Switch 2 deliver?

Here’s what CNET’s latest gaming survey found and the big Nintendo moments our gaming editors say you don’t want to miss. 

Gen Z hopes the Switch will bring better games and performance

CNET found that 70% of Gen Z gamers and 71% of millennials who identify as such are interested in the upcoming Switch model. What’s most interesting is Gen Z’s hopes for the new console and how they view gaming. 

Nearly one in four (23%) of Gen Z respondents are looking forward to new games for Nintendo franchises, while 30% are looking forward to improved technology such as a bigger screen and better graphics. Above all, the top factor for deciding whether or not to buy the Switch was an affordable price (31%). CNET Editor-at-Large Scott Stein, who writes about gaming devices among other things, wasn’t shocked by any of this.

«It definitely sounds like those results favor the Switch 2’s existence,» said Stein. 

Here’s a closer look at the factors Gen Z gamers and US gaming adults overall consider when deciding to upgrade to the Switch 2 and what experts think about the data. 

Read more: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorder and Release Date Leaked by Retailer

The no.1 factor is the console price

Compared to other gaming consoles, Nintendo hasn’t been the most expensive on the market, which makes it a budget-friendly gaming option for some compared to a $500 Xbox Series X. Stein predicts that the Switch 2 will cost less — around $400, which Gen Zers may be a lot more willing to pay if they don’t want to spend as much on a console. In comparison, when the first Switch was released, it cost $300. 

«Gen Z knows the tech landscape and doesn’t want to pay a lot,» said Stein. «The Switch 2 could make a play for a middle ground.» 

Stein also pointed out that if Gen Zers love the usual Nintendo games, they’ll likely buy the newer Switch model. However, it could depend on how much support big-name publishers give the Switch 2 for popular games that could make the new console worth the sticker price for them. 

It’s all about the Switch’s performance and unique features, too

As one of the youngest gaming generations, Gen Z hopes that Nintendo will deliver higher-resolution graphics with the upcoming release, which could meet Gen Z’s expectations — like we see with PlayStation and Xbox. Since this generation was much younger when the first Nintendo Switch was first released, Stein said this is the first time they can weigh in on the Nintendo franchise’s graphics and capabilities. 

Beyond graphics, Gen Z is also looking at what makes the Switch stand out. 

For example, Nintendo has teased the possibility of using the Switch’s Joy-Con as a mouse. That might not move the needle for making the purchase, but Gen Z is looking for something different and will make the purchase worthwhile, said David Lumb, a senior reporter at CNET. 

They’re spending more on gaming, but intentionally 

Even though the younger generation is weighing the console price, let’s not forget about the no. 1 factor for the younger generation considering the Switch 2: the availability of games. «Gen Z, with its disposable income, is choosing to focus on a couple of games and going a little bit on that, rather than having a broader [array] of games, especially if their socialization is based on those one or two games,» said Lumb. 

Lumb also said there’s a chance Gen Z will initially wait to see if more games come out to justify the price of the Switch 2, especially since they already have forever games they’re socially playing with friends. 

Yet this generation spends the most on subscriptions and gaming. 

Gen Z spends an average of $56 per month on subscriptions and/or new games, compared to US gaming adults as a whole, spending an average of $35 per month. That’s an additional $252 per year for the youngest surveyed generation. 

Beyond buying new games and paying for subscriptions, there’s a chance this monthly amount could be spent on in-game purchases for games that Gen Z gamers may only buy once a year. However, they could spend the monthly amount on customization, upgrades and other in-game purchases, said Lumb. For example, think about in-game cosmetics and items you can purchase in Fortnight. 

Read more: Nintendo Switch 2: Release Date Rumors, Everything We Know So Far

Why the Switch 2 is gaining traction for US gamers

More than half (58%) of US adults that game want to buy the Nintendo Switch 2. The big question is why. 

For loyal Switch gamers, the format and games are fun, and gamers are ready for the next iteration of it, Lumb said. 

«I think it’s just people are excited to see the next version of this, but I also think it’s excitement, not a guarantee people are going to buy it,» Lumb said. For US adults, here’s what would persuade them to buy the new Switch. 

The big Switch moments our editors and gamers are hoping for 

Lumb and Stein said we shouldn’t plan on any major changes for the Switch 2. While Wednesday’s Nintendo Direct will tell us more, here are a few possibilities that gamers and our experts are looking forward to based on survey findings. 

Better performance to lure popular games 

Aside from the price of the console, the two biggest factors for buying the Switch are improved technology and game availability. However, to have both, big-name popular games need better performance to offer more than Nintendo’s usual titles. 

Nintendo hasn’t been focused on performance like Xbox and PlayStation — which perform similarly to a personal computer, said Lumb. Instead, it has focused on offering unique games. 

«Nintendo is really going for style over the latest and greatest, which is fun. However, the original Switch suffered in terms of porting top-end games,» said Lumb. «So hopefully, we will see a performance boost to at least be able to get a decent amount of these leading games.» 

A new Nintendo subscription plan 

Currently, Nintendo offers Nintendo Switch Online, which allows cloud data storage, online gameplay and a library of Nintendo games. Our editors are eager to see if Nintendo’s big announcement will include changes to the existing subscription to offer more to gamers. 

Stein wonders if Nintendo will do a fun subscription for the Switch 2, and whether or not the special offers will be available to all Switch owners. For example, there’s the possibility of a subscription tier that includes Switch games and special offerings for a certain amount more per month. Think about playing the new Mario Kart for free with the subscription. 

But it all depends on Nintendo’s proposition for the Switch 2 and whether it’s planning any subscription changes with the new release. And the big question is, would the offers only be for the Switch 2 or all Switch users?

Special features and upgraded technology 

So far, specs rumored for the Switch 2 include an 8-inch LCD screen, an eight-core Arm Cortex A78C CPU and a 5-watt draw for battery life. 

Occasionally, Nintendo has a way of impressing us technologically, which could be interesting with the upcoming console release. «It’s funny because we always write off Nintendo as not being about graphics or necessarily about tech, but they do have moments that they push the envelope on tech,» said Stein.

There’s also a chance for artificial intelligence upscaling and an Nvidia processor. But one of the features Stein is hopeful for is the Switch 2 being backward compatible. That means your older Switch games will be compatible with later Switch models and the Switch 2.

«I would totally expect that Nintendo hedges its bets in a clever way so that people who don’t want to spring the money right now won’t feel totally left out,» said Stein. 

Stein said that would be welcome news for loyal Nintendo customers, who may consider buying the newer model later on. And when they do, they’d already have a library of games since the Switch 2 would be backward compatible. 

Methodology

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 2,369 adults, of which 1,290 were gamers. Fieldwork was undertaken between March 19 and 25, 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18 and over).

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Technologies

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Saturday, Dec. 13

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Dec. 13.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? It’s so long, it’s almost not a mini version today. Read on for the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Field trip vehicle
Answer: BUS

4A clue: Peter’s antagonist, in a musical tale
Answer: WOLF

8A clue: «Keep me posted,» in texts
Answer: LMK

9A clue: Opera solo
Answer: ARIA

10A clue: ___Pen (emergency device)
Answer: EPI

11A clue: With 12-Across, gets in order
Answer: SETS

12A clue: With 14-Across, what a tennis champ might win a match in
Answer: STRAIGHT

14A clue: See 12-Across
Answer: SETS

15A clue: «A long time ___ in a galaxy far, far away …»
Answer: AGO

16A clue: Shy and gentle
Answer: MEEK

17A clue: Prefix with apology or answer
Answer: NON

18A clue: Comes to a close
Answer: ENDS

19A clue: Have to pay
Answer: OWE

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: «Goodness gracious!»
Answer: BLESSME

2D clue: Indefinitely many, informally
Answer: UMPTEEN

3D clue: Avoided, as an issue
Answer: SKIRTED

4D clue: «Now, where ___?»
Answer: WASI

5D clue: Green topping at a pizza parlor
Answer: OREGANO

6D clue: John who played Churchill on «The Crown»
Answer: LITHGOW

7D clue: Sneaky trick to «pull»
Answer: FASTONE

13D clue: Doesn’t just assume one has permission
Answer: ASKS

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Technologies

Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Series 10: Are the Differences Enough to Justify Upgrading?

At first glance, the new Apple Watch Series 11 looks a lot like its previous-year model. We compare the specs to see what’s changed.

If you’re looking at getting an Apple Watch this holiday season, you have a tough choice: Should you buy the latest Apple Watch Series 11, or find a Series 10 that has most of the same features at a lower cost? Apple made incremental changes to its flagship smartwatch, while also introducing significant improvements to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3.

There are still enough differences to make you look twice at moving up (especially if you’re coming from an older model). Let’s compare the models side by side and tease out the finer details.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

Pricing the Apple Watch Series 11

The Series 11 has kept the same price as the Series 10. It starts at $399 for the model with an aluminum body or $699 for one made of titanium.

Add $30 for the larger 46mm case size in aluminum, or $50 for titanium. Opting for a model with a cellular radio that connects independently to networks adds $100. And if you choose a band made of something other than rubber or textile — a stainless steel link bracelet, for example — the price climbs further. Unfortunately, you can’t order just the watch case; you have to select a new band, even if it ends up in your drawer in favor of one you already own and prefer.

There’s also a titanium Apple Watch Hermès model available in silver titanium in both sizes that starts at $1,249.

Apple no longer sells the Series 10, since the Series 11 replaces it, but you can still find refurbished Series 10 models for less from Apple, and new models from other retailers while supplies last.

Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Series 10: Outward design

The Series 11 and Series 10 share the same case design and materials. The larger model measures 46mm tall by 39mm wide, while the smaller comes in at 42mm by 36mm. (Kudos to Apple for continuing to offer two sizes to accommodate people with different-sized wrists.) They’re also both 1mm slimmer than the Apple Watch models that came before, at 9.7mm.

Despite being mostly the same in dimensions, the Series 11 is slightly heavier than the Series 10. For example, the 46mm aluminum GPS Series 11 weighs 37.8 grams, up slightly from 36.4 grams for the Series 10. The 42mm versions come in at 30.3 grams and 30.0 grams, respectively.

For colors, the Series 11 adds a space gray aluminum option to go along with rose gold, silver and jet black. Both models are also available in titanium finishes of slate, gold and natural.

The physical controls are unchanged: the dial that Apple calls the Digital Crown and a side button (that Apple cleverly calls the «side button»). Only the Apple Watch Ultra includes a third physical control: the Action button.

Also noteworthy: The titanium Series 11 is made of 100% recycled titanium, up from 95% recycled material in the titanium Series 10. The display glass is made of 40% recycled glass in the Series 11; no amount is listed for the Series 10. And the battery in the Series 11 uses 100% recycled cobalt and 95% recycled lithium. (The Series 10 lists only 100% recycled cobalt.)

Series 11 vs. Series 10 screens

The screens on both the Series 11 and Series 10 watches have a wide-angle LTPO 3 OLED display. That means it’s easier to see the contents from an angle, and the always-on display refreshes once per second, allowing the seconds counter to move even when the watch is in inactive mode.

LTPO3 screens are also more power efficient. The screens reach up to 2,000 nits for clear visibility in sunlight and dim down to just 1 nit in darkness.

The key difference between the Series 11 and Series 10 screens lies in the glass covering. On the Series 11 aluminum models, Apple uses Ion-X glass, which it claims is twice as scratch-resistant as the glass on previous aluminum versions. The titanium Series 11 uses a sapphire crystal display.

Apple Watch processor and chips

Normally we’d highlight how the new processor improves on its predecessor, but for 2025 Apple stuck with the same S10 processor found in the Series 10. That also means the other chips remain the same, too: the W3 Apple Wireless chip, the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip (for precise Find My location tracking), a four-core Neural Engine and 64GB of storage.

Battery power: Series 11 vs. Series 10

Battery life is where the two models get really interesting. Apple doesn’t reveal how large the built-in lithium-ion battery is or its capacity, but it is claiming up to 24 hours for the Series 11 compared to 18 hours for the Series 10. In Low Power Mode, that’s up to 38 hours for the Series 11, up from 36 hours in the Series 10.

It’s not entirely clear where Apple squeezed an extra six hours of battery life out of what appears to be mostly identical hardware. Both phones use the same S10 processor, though there are likely software optimizations in WatchOS 26. CNET lead writer Vanessa Hand Orellana found that, at least initially, Apple may be undercounting the battery performance, writing in her review, «With notifications turned on (heavy Slack-ing and texting), at least one 30- to 45-minute outdoor workout a day, a full night of sleep tracking and some mild flashlight use, I’ve consistently managed to squeeze between 27 and 32 hours per charge.»

As for charging the watches, both the Series 11 and Series 10 can be charged up to 80% in about 30 minutes. Apple says that with a 20W power adapter, 15 minutes of fast charging provides up to 8 hours of regular use, while just five minutes is enough for eight hours of sleep tracking — thanks to the watch’s much lower power demands while you’re asleep. Apple’s comparison information for the Series 10 doesn’t list those last two metrics, but that seems more due to it being a marketing point last year versus a new capability in the Series 11.

Comparing the sensors of the Series 11 and Series 10

The Apple Watch’s sensors power health features that range from heart-rate monitoring to depth sensing to precise location tracking. That said…

They’re identical in the Series 11 and Series 10. No changes here.

Another change: Connectivity in the Series 11 and Series 10

One of the more notable changes in the cellular models of the Series 11 is support for 5G networks, specifically a power-efficient type called 5G Reduced Capacity (or 5G RedCap). That allows it to connect to both 5G and LTE networks without having to go through a connected iPhone, and the 5G speeds should be better. By comparison, the cellular Series 10 supports LTE and UMTS (3G).

Part of incorporating 5G into the Series 11 models is a redesigned cellular antenna and an algorithm that «simultaneously engages the two system antennas when needed, significantly increasing the signal strength,» according to Apple’s Series 11 press release. That algorithm is exclusive to the Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, per Apple.

Both Apple Watch models support Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) at 2.5GHz and 5GHz speeds. (Apple’s comparison page only lists the speeds for the Series 11, but an Apple Watch Wi-Fi support page notes 5GHz has been supported since the Series 6 watches.)

Both watches talk to the iPhone and other peripherals using Bluetooth 5.3.

WatchOS 26 on the Apple Watch Series 11 and Series 10

The new features of WatchOS 26 come to both watch models, including hypertension notifications, Sleep Score and the Blood Oxygen app (making its reappearance in the US amid an ongoing legal dispute). Apple’s comparison page lists the new Wrist Flick gesture for the Series 11 but not the Series 10, but that must be a typo because I can confirm that it works on my Series 10 watch.

Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Apple Watch Series 10

Apple Watch Series 11 Apple Watch Series 10
Design & sizes Rectangular, 42mm, 46mm Rectangular, 42mm, 46mm
Display 42mm: 446 x 374 pixels, LTPO3 OLED Retina display, Wide-angle OLED 46mm: 416 x 496 pixels, LTPO3 OLED Retina display, Wide-angle OLED 446 x 374 ppi, LTPO3 OLED Retina display, Wide-angle OLED
Brightness Between 1 and 2000 nits 2000 nits
Thickness & weight 46mm size: 9.7mm; 37.8g (aluminum), 36.9g (aluminum GPS+Cellular), 43.1g (titanium) 42mm size: 9.7mm; 30.3g (aluminum), 29.7g (aluminum GPS+Cellular), 34.6g (titanium) 9.7mm; 30-41.7g (46mm titanium model)
Material & finish Aluminum: jet black, rose gold or silver finish; titanium: slate, gold or natural finish Aluminum: jet black, rose gold or silver finish; titanium: slate, gold or natural finish
Durability 5ATM Water + IP6X (dust) 5ATM Water + IP6X (dust)
Battery life Up to 24 hours, up to 38 hours Low Power (always-on) + Fast charge: 80% in 30 min, 100% in 60 min 24-30 (always-on) + Fast charge: 80% in 30 min, 100% in 60 min
Sensors ECG, 3rd-gen optical heart sensor, skin temp, depth gauge, SpO2, Noise monitoring, water temperature, compass ECG, heart rate, skin temp, depth gauge, SpO2, Noise monitoring
Emergency features Satellite SOS, Emergency SOS, Fall detection, Crash detection, Check in and Backtrack Emergency SOS, Fall detection, Crash detection, Check in and Backtrack
AI & coaching Siri (voice assistant); Workout Buddy Siri (voice assistant); Workout Buddy
Processor S10 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor, W3 Apple wireless chip S10 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor, W3 Apple wireless chip
RAM/Storage 64GB (storage) 64GB (storage)
Payments Apple Pay Apple Pay
Price (US) $399-$750 (titanium) $399-$750 (titanium)

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Resident Evil Requiem: Release Date, Leon Kennedy’s Return Confirmed and More

The return to Raccoon City is going to be just as scary as you could have imagined.

The Game Awards on Thursday revealed new games such as Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic and Control Resonant, but one of the biggest games shown was already revealed earlier in the year. Resident Evil Requiem is the ninth entry in the main Resident Evil series and takes players back to where the games started while seeing the return of a fan-favorite character.

A new trailer for Resident Evil Requiem finally reveals the antagonist of the game and confirms that Leon Kennedy is back, though it’s unclear what he’s been doing since Resident Evil 6. Also shown in the footage was Victor Gideon, a former doctor who looks like he’s been experimenting on people — and himself — as he intimidates the other main character players will control, Grace Ashcroft. 

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Resident Evil Requiem made its debut during the Summer Games Fest in June, and developer Capcom slowly released details about the upcoming horror game. What’s clear from the previously released footage and impressions is that Capcom really wants to terrify players — and it’ll go so far as to put players in Grace’s shoes without weapons. 

When does Resident Evil Requiem come out?

Resident Evil Requiem will be released on Feb. 27, 2026, for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series consoles.

When does Resident Evil Requiem take place? 

Resident Evil Requiem takes place 30 years after the events of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, which was when Raccoon City was destroyed. 

How will Resident Evil Requiem play?

After the trailer was shown, Game Awards host Geoff Keighley said Leon would bring «action-heavy gameplay» and that the game would offer two different experiences. This could mean that a good chunk of the game will be played as Grace, who will provide more of a survival-horror experience with fewer weapons and tools, while a portion of the game will be focused on Leon and his more chainsaw-wielding, kicking-in-the-face style of gameplay. 

Read more: I Played Resident Evil 9 Requiem at Summer Game Fest, and It’s Extremely Messed Up

Who is Grace Ashcroft? 

Grace Ashcroft is an FBI analyst who has a connection with Raccoon City. Her mother, Alyssa, was a survivor of the destruction of Raccoon City and was a playable character in the online game Resident Evil Outbreak, released on the PS2 in 2003. The elder Ashcroft was a reporter who told the story of what happened to the zombie-infested city, but was killed by a masked assailant in 2018.

Her murder spurred Grace to join the FBI. In Requiem, a mysterious infection is spreading, and deaths are mounting. Grace is assigned to investigate the Wrenwood Hotel, the place where the latest fatality has occurred, and which was the site of her mother’s murder. It’s from here that she’ll make her way to Raccoon City. 

Where has Leon Kennedy been? 

Leon was last seen in the series with Resident Evil 6, but he’s been active in the Resident Evil animated movies and series, including Resident Evil: Degeneration, Resident Evil: Damnation, Resident Evil: Vendetta, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness and Resident Evil: Death Island. Leon is currently an agent for the Division of Security Operations and is deployed worldwide to investigate instances of bioweapons causing havoc, which often leads to reunions with other Resident Evil survivors, such as Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield and Rebecca Chambers. 

Are there any other characters set to be revealed? 

A GameStop listing for Resident Evil Requiem listed the Expansion Pass for the game and the additional scenarios, according to a report from Videogame Chronicles on Tuesday. One scenario referred to a Shadow Walker Costume Pack, which includes outfits for Rosemary Winters, the daughter of Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village hero Ethan Winters. Rosemary was the main character of Shadows of Rose, a postrelease content scenario for Resident Evil Village. 

There could be additional characters revealed in the coming days as Resident Evil Requiem’s release date nears. 

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