31 Down

NYT Daily ? September 18, 2025

Arcade staple with a joystick

Answer:

CRANEGAME

Hint:

Think of the machine where you maneuver a claw to grab prizes—often found near the ticket counter in arcades.

Explanation:

This clue points to a classic arcade machine where players use a joystick to maneuver a claw or crane, trying to grab prizes like stuffed animals. "Arcade staple" hints at its common presence in gaming arcades, while "joystick" directly refers to the control mechanism used in these games. The answer is "CRANEGAME," combining "crane" (the grabbing arm) with "game" to describe the whole setup. It’s a straightforward definition without wordplay, relying on the well-known name for this type of arcade attraction.

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General solving tip

'In Rome' or numeral vibes can hint at Roman numerals (I, V, X, L, C, D, M) or Latin-style abbreviations. Try a numeric reading.

More tips → General Hints