I’m a fan of the New York Times Mini Crossword — a sporty, streamlined companion to the newspaper’s legendary regular daily crossword. Typically, the Mini Crossword (we publish the answers daily) has roughly a dozen clues to work through — six across-clues and six down-clues — and you can complete it in less than a minute if all goes well. 

It makes me feel smart, unlike the big crossword, which sometimes makes me throw things.

But in late August, some Mini Crossword players suddenly ran into a paywall. From that point on, anyone who doesn’t pay for a Times subscription with a Games package has been required to subscribe if they want to continue solving the Mini Crossword.

Naturally, players were… well, what’s a five-letter word for bummed out? UPSET?

Read more: CNET’s daily answer page for Wordle, Connections, Strands, the Mini Crossword and Connections: Sports Edition

«Each day that passes, a bit of happiness is placed behind a paywall,» wrote one Reddit user.

Another wrote, «Doing this crossword on the way home each day from work was my little ritual.»

Pay to play: Games subscription for full access

Even if you have a digital subscription to the New York Times, you might not have full Games access. The Times has priced a Games subscription separate from its news, which costs $6 a month. There are annual sign-up options that could save you money, totaling about $50 a year. You also might see different promotional options or introductory sales on occasion. 

Some puzzles are still free

Though some puzzles are still free (see below), the fee for full Games access comes shortly after the New York Times added another online game, Pips, a form of dominoes.

«We now offer 10 distinct puzzles, a rich and diverse portfolio that reflects both the breadth of gameplay and the depth of experiences our team of puzzle editors and constructors has built,» a spokesperson for the Times told me in a statement. «With several games remaining free to play for all, our portfolio features a dynamic mix of free puzzles and subscriber-only offerings, creating opportunities for every kind of solver to engage with us, every day of the week.»

Obviously, the newspaper has to pay its puzzle constructors, editors and journalists. The old saying about how there’s no free lunch applies to games as well.

«Subscribers not only support our journalism but help us keep making the high-quality puzzles people love to play,» the statement said. «While we hope solvers will see the value in subscribing, we’re committed to ensuring there’s still a rich and enjoyable experience for those who don’t.»

These New York Times puzzles are still free to nonsubscribers:

• Sudoku
• Strands
• Pips
• Connections
• Wordle
• Connections: Sports Edition

Also, nonsubscribers have limited access to Spelling Bee, the puzzle that lets you make words out of certain letters. That puzzle allows non-Games subscribers to play up to a certain point number, then requires a subscription to keep playing.

Your library is your friend

If you just can’t afford a Games subscription, log in to your local public library.

I’m in Seattle, and the Seattle Public Library offers library cardholders free online access to its expanded New York Times subscription, which includes Games access and access to other Times divisions, such as Cooking and The Athletic.

When the world’s noise gets loud between rising prices and endlessly harrowing news feeds, it helps to have a space to breathe. Cozy games do just that. They let you slow down, recharge, and rest without losing the joy of play. Whether you’re managing a quaint shop, solving soothing puzzles, or just wandering through calming landscapes, there’s something special about games that comfort rather than stress.

One recent favorite is Tiny Bookshop, where you run a second-hand bookshop by the sea. You’ll stock books, decorate your shop, and get to know locals in a gentle, charming town. It’s perfect when you want something mellow but meaningful. And for fans of Stardew Valley, there’s exciting news: the developer just confirmed a 1.7 update is in the works. No release date yet, but the promise of more cozy content means plenty to look forward to.

These games are often affordable, available across multiple platforms, and especially nice if you just want to unwind. They help you escape, reset, or just find a little peace at the end of the day. If you’re craving comfort, community, or simple happiness, cozy games like these might be exactly what you’re looking for and then some. 

You can find a bunch of these on the best game subscription services, and some you might have to hunt down, but they’re all worth it. Bonus: Many are available on Switch, PC, mobile or even Game Pass, so they’re easy to fit into your routine. If you’re searching for stress relief, escapism or just a reason to smile, these cozy games are worth the download.

A pair of high-quality headphones can make a huge difference when you’re working in a busy office or braving the streets on your morning commute. The Bose QuietComfort headphones won’t disappoint. CNET’s expert editors rank them as some of the best noise-canceling headphones, and they get even better as part of this deal.

Right now, you can score a pair of Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones at a great discount of $130. Best Buy has a one-day $229 deal, but if you want more variety, Amazon is price-matching and offering additional color options to choose from. Amazon’s deal isn’t as limited, so you’ll have longer to shop — but it could end at any time. If you want these headphones, be sure to shop sooner rather than later.

The QuietComfort headphones include noise cancellation and have Quiet and Aware modes, so you can focus as needed or let some ambient sound in when you’re taking walks or need to know what’s happening around you.

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Adjustable EQ lets you customize your sound preferences, and a battery life of up to 24 hours makes these headphones the perfect travel companion. Need a battery boost? It only takes a 15-minute charge to get an extra battery life of up to 2.5 hours.

If this isn’t quite the product you’re looking for, check out our list of the best wireless headphones to find the right pair for you. There are plenty of different options from various manufacturers, with something for everyone.

Why this deal matters

Bose makes some of the best headphones on the market. This deal offers QuietComfort headphones for just $229 after slashing $130 off the regular price. While this isn’t the lowest price we’ve seen on these headphones, it’s still a massive discount. Just be sure to get your order in soon.