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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 Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Oct. 20, #392

Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Oct. 20, No. 392.

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

Today’s Connections: Sports Edition has a category for all the Windy City residents out there. If you’re struggling but still want to solve it, read on for hints and the answers.

Connections: Sports Edition is published by The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can play it for free online.

Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta

Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: Deep-dish pizza, anyone?

Green group hint: Duke it out.

Blue group hint: College division.

Purple group hint: «Go to your ____!»

Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Yellow group: Chicago teams.

Green group: With «weight,» combat sport divisions.

Blue group: American Conference teams.

Purple group: ____ room.

Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words

What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?

The yellow words in today’s Connections

The theme is Chicago teams. The four answers are Bears, Bulls, Cubs and Sky.

The green words in today’s Connections

The theme is with «weight,» combat sport divisions. The four answers are bantam, feather, fly and heavy.

The blue words in today’s Connections

The theme is American Conference teams. The four answers are Blazers, Chanticleers, Green Wave and Pirates.

The purple words in today’s Connections

The theme is ____ room.  The four answers are dressing, film, green and locker.

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Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for Oct. 20, #862

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for Oct. 20, No. 862.

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

Today’s NYT Connections puzzle has a tricky purple category, but that almost always goes without saying. If you need help, you’re in the right place. Read on for clues and today’s Connections answers.

The Times now has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including the number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak.

Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time

Hints for today’s Connections groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: What’s the matter?

Green group hint: Stars at night.

Blue group hint: Science info.

Purple group hint: On the cob.

Answers for today’s Connections groups

Yellow group: Affliction.

Green group: Represented by constellations.

Blue group: Periodic table symbols.

Purple group: ____ corn.

Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words

What are today’s Connections answers?

The yellow words in today’s Connections

The theme is affliction. The four answers are bugbear, complex, demon and hang-up.

The green words in today’s Connections

The theme is represented by constellations. The four answers are big bear, centaur, hunter and lyre.

The blue words in today’s Connections

The theme is periodic table symbols. The four answers are AS, BE, I and K.

The purple words in today’s Connections

The theme is ____ corn. The four answers are a, capri, pop and uni. (Acorn, Capricorn, popcorn and unicorn.)

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Technologies

AirPods 3 vs. AirPods 4: Should You Upgrade?

Not only do the entry-level version of Apple’s AirPods 4 offer feature and performance upgrades over the AirPods 3, but the step-up AirPods 4 with ANC feature active noise canceling. We compare all three models.

Editor’s note Oct. 18: We updated this article to reflect the release of the AirPods Pro 3.

Apple’s fourth generation of its original true-wireless earbuds follows the same design language as their predecessors but adds a bunch of new features — some borrowed straight from the more expensive AirPods Pro 2, which have now been succeeded by the AirPods Pro 3. The AirPods 4 remain Apple’s only earbuds to launch in two variants: a $129 entry-level model and a $179 AirPods 4 with ANC, both of which are often discounted on Amazon. 

I’ve been using the step-up $179 version, and I’m surprised by how good the ANC is for an open-ear design, agreeing with CNET audio expert David Carnoy, who called it «the best noise canceling I’ve experienced with a set of open earbuds» in his full review of the AirPod 4 with Active Noise Canceling. If you’re an AirPods 3 user and wondering how the AirPods 4 stack up against your current model, read on as I explore the key differences between these two earbuds. And for those considering upgrading from the AirPods Pro 2 to the AirPods Pro 3, we have an article that compares those two models and offers some buying advice. 

Read more: Best wireless earbuds of 2025

AirPods 4 feature an improved design

The AirPods 4 are slightly smaller than the AirPods 3 but larger than the AirPods 2. Each earbud weighs the same 4.3 grams, so any added or upgraded tech doesn’t translate into extra bulk on your ears. While all ears are shaped differently, Apple hopes the new design is a better fit for a wider range of people.

They fit me better than the AirPods 3, but I couldn’t get them to fit as well as silicone tip earbuds. However, if an open-ear design has worked better for you in the past, these should fit just fine — or even better. I have friends who’ve upgraded to the AirPods 4, and they say the new product fits them better.

The AirPods 3 are IPX4-rated for sweat and splash resistance. In comparison, the AirPods 4 are more durable. They are rated for dust resistance alongside sweat and splash resistance, with an IP54 rating.

The two AirPods 4 models have noticeable differences among themselves, too. The $179 variant supports charging with a Qi charging pad and the Apple Watch charging puck. So, if you have an Apple Watch and prefer your AirPods to charge with the same puck, you’ll need to spend $50 more than the base asking price. If you do, you also get a speaker in the case — like the AirPods Pro 2, so you can track them with sound using Find My.

Unlike the AirPods 3, there’s no physical button on the AirPods 4 charging case anymore. If you want to pair them to non-Apple devices, you need to double-tap on the front of the case near the LED to initiate pairing (that’s also the case for the AirPods Pro 3). Similarly, a reset can be initiated by three double-taps.

Upgraded H2 chip offers better sound quality

Apple’s new upgrades are threefold to improve the sound quality on the AirPods 4. First, they feature an upgraded H2 chip with Bluetooth 5.3, compared to the H1 chip with Bluetooth 5.0 found on the AirPods 3. Second, they have a new acoustic architecture and amp. Third, the drivers are positioned at a new angle to point into your ears. 

When compared, the AirPods 4 have slightly improved treble and bass over the AirPods 3. They sound a little cleaner, and there’s more depth and fullness across genres. It’s not AirPods Pro 2 quality, but it’s better than before. The sound quality gap between non-Pro and Pro models has shrunk.

There is no ANC on AirPods 3, but the $179 AirPods 4 with ANC adds the active noise cancelation feature to Apple’s most affordable earbuds lineup. They have the same number of microphones as the AirPods Pro 2 to enable ANC and a few other features.

In his AirPods 4 review, David Carnoy was «really impressed with the noise canceling. The reality is that it’s not that great compared with what you get with the AirPods Pro 2 [and now the AirPods Pro 3] … but that it works at all and is reasonably effective is kind of wild.»

On most open earbuds, you can’t really hear a difference between ANC on and off modes. But the new AirPods 4 with ANC can muffle the ambient sound around you to a certain degree. Apple says their noise canceling matches that of the original AirPods Pro and is half as good as the AirPods Pro 2’s noise canceling (that means it’s only 25% as good as the AirPods Pro 3’s noise canceling, which is 2X as good as the AirPods Pro 2’s noise canceling, according to Apple). That said, it’s strong enough to help you hear your music better in noisy environments. It can drown out low frequencies like plane engine noise very well.

Added features and upgraded controls

The AirPods 4 with ANC add a bunch of new features for the same price as what the AirPods 3 once cost. The additional microphones not only enable ANC but also convenience features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness.

The latter works like Sony’s Speak-to-Chat feature; it pauses the music and enables transparency mode as soon as it detects that you’re speaking. If you like to sing along to songs, it’s better to keep it turned off. That said, it’s a neat feature that lets you have conversations without physically taking off your earbuds.

Both AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 (including the ANC variant) support personalized spatial audio (with head tracking) for music, quick pairing, auto-switching for Apple devices, and always-on Siri. The AirPods 4 can trigger Siri with both «Siri» and «Hey Siri» wake words, whereas AirPods 3 support only «Hey Siri.»

You can spend $50 less on the AirPods 4 and get several new features over the AirPods 3. Both AirPods 4 models have new force sensors in the stems with pinch controls to control playback. However, there’s no swipe gesture support yet. 

Both of them also support Siri Interactions, where you can interact with Siri using gestures. For instance, when you receive a call, Siri will announce the caller’s name and ask if you want to answer the call. You can then nod your head for yes or shake it for no to answer or decline the call, respectively.

All of these features come with one slight compromise — battery life. The AirPods 3 are rated to deliver six hours of continuous listening on one charge, while the new AirPods 4 are rated to last up to five hours per charge. The case still delivers the same 30 hours of additional battery life, despite being smaller than before.

AirPods 3 vs. AirPods 4: It’s time to upgrade

If you’re in the market for a new pair of open earbuds, the AirPods 4 are an excellent choice — even if you have the last-gen AirPods 3. You get better sound quality with the H2 chip, a smaller case, more features like Siri Interactions and dust resistance, all for $50 less than the AirPods 3’s $179 launch price. However, they leave off wireless charging and only top up via the USB-C port.

The $179 AirPods 4 with ANC currently offer the best noise cancellation in a pair of open earbuds. Plus, you get additional features like Qi wireless charging (you can also charge them on an Apple Watch charging puck), a speaker inside the case for Find My, Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio and more. Both AirPods 4 models are a good upgrade over the AirPods 3, despite the slightly lower battery life.

Read more: Best AirPods deals right now 

AirPods 3 vs. AirPods 4 spec comparison

AirPods 3 AirPods 4 AirPods 4 with ANC
Weight (each earbud) 0.15 ounce (4.28 grams) 0.15 ounce (4.3 grams) 0.15 ounce (4.3 grams)
Weight (case) 1.34 ounces (37.91 grams) 1.14 ounces (32.3 grams) 1.22 ounces (34.7 grams)
Water resistant IPX4 IP54 IP54
Sensors Skin-detect sensor, Motion-detecting accelerometer
Speech-detecting accelerometer, Force sensor		 Optical in-ear sensor, Motion-detecting accelerometer,
Speech-detecting accelerometer, Force sensor		 Optical in-ear sensor, Motion-detecting accelerometer,
Speech-detecting accelerometer, Force sensor
Microphones Dual beamforming microphones, inward-facing microphone Dual beamforming microphones, inward-facing microphone Dual beamforming microphones, inward-facing microphone
Chip H1 H2 H2
Conectivity Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 5.3
Active Noise Cancelation,
Transparency mode		 No No Yes
Conversation Awareness,
Adaptive Audio		 No No Yes
Voice Isolation,
Personalized volume		 No Yes Yes
Battery life Up to 6 hours
+30 hours with case		 Up to 5 hours
+30 hours with case		 Up to 5 hours
+30 hours with case
Wire in box Yes No No
Launch Price $179 $129 $179

AirPods 3 vs. AirPods 4: FAQs

Which AirPods are better, 3 or 4?

The AirPods 4 are better in terms of both sound quality and features. You get an upgraded H2 chip for cleaner sound, upgraded force touch controls, a new model with the best ANC on open earbuds, and features like Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, etc. The AirPods 4 are objectively better than the AirPods 3.

Are the new AirPods 4 worth it?

If you’re looking for open earbuds, both the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC are easily among the top open earbuds. At their list prices, they’re a little pricey, but they go on sale fairly regularly on Amazon, where you can save $10 to $20 on them, sometimes a little more. 

Which version of AirPods is best?

The AirPods Pro 3 are Apple’s current flagship model and are the best AirPods overall. They offer excellent sound quality and top-notch ANC performance for under $250. That said, if you don’t like having silicone ear tips jammed in yours, the AirPods 4 with ANC are your best bet right now. You can find more options in our Best AirPods for 2025 guide.

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