A

Really loved solving this puzzle! Great debut, Kim! I’ve seen some comments suggesting that the theme isn’t suitable for a NYT crossword due to older solvers not getting the reference. Thought it was worth pointing out that Mario first appeared as a character over 40 years ago, and the franchise has been huge in pop culture for decades. I think older solvers deserve a bit more credit. That being said, is it such a bad thing that not every puzzle or clue caters to the older generations? As a younger person, I’m always lost with the “Happy Days” clues and references of a similar era. CHACHI was one of my last solves today. Sometimes I ask an older relative for help with these clues, I have a chat with them, and usually learn something. I also have a lot of trouble with the sports trivia clues, but I accept that millions of people do the NYT crossword and it’s impossible for a writer to make a puzzle with clues that every single person will get. I think that would be a very boring puzzle.