‘Mario’s Twin’ NYT Mini clue hints and answer (Aug. 26) 

NYT Mini clues, like today’s “Mario’s Twin” clue, are my favorite because they blend my main interests: Words and Video Games. Yes, the NYT Mini is a game, but don’t tell the fancy folk who play.

‘Mario’s Twin’ NYT Mini clue hints

Before I give you the answer to this clue, I’ll give you four more chances to get it.

• Hint 1: Wears Mario’s outfit but in green.
• Hint 2: Is the protagonist of the ____’s Mansion games.
• Hint 3: Begins with an “L.”
• Hint 4: Anagram is “IGULI”

‘Mario’s Twin’ NYT Mini clue answer

I’m about to reveal the answer below, so stop reading if you don’t want it spoiled!

The answer to the NYT Mini clue, “Mario’s Twin,” is *drum roll* “LUIGI.” Luigi is Mario’s twin brother and is essentially a taller, trimmer version of his iconic sibling, wearing a green version of Mario’s red outfit. Luigi is seen as Mario’s sidekick, but he’s not always in the shadows and is the main protagonist of the Luigi’s Mansion series. Frankly, I prefer Luigi over Mario.

‘Mario’s Twin’ NYT Mini clue difficulty rating

How easily you get this answer will depend on how big a gamer you are. I immediately clocked it, as will others, but if you’ve never played a Mario game then you may struggle. You also may get hung up on the “twin” part of this clue, as not everyone knows Mario and Luigi are Twins. I’m going to give this a two out of five difficulty rating, as a result.

All NYT Mini Aug. 26 answers

Across

• 1A Soccer player’s prominent muscle—CALF
• 5A Member of an underwater colony—CORAL
• 6A Mario’s twin—LUIGI
• 7A Fluster—UPSET
• 8A Source of a buzz…with or without its last letter?—BEER

Down

• 1D Two-door car—COUPE
• 2D Get up or come up—ARISE
• 3D Light-colored variety of 8-Across—LAGER
• 4D Move swiftly, like a butterfly—FLIT
• 5D ♣️—CLUB

How to play more word games like the NYT Mini

It’s Monday and who really wants to work hard on a Monday? What you actually want to do is play word games. If you’re in the UK, like me, you may be off for a Bank Holiday (I am not), which gives you ample time to play Strands or Spelling Bee. Alternatively, try the LA Times or the Washington Post for more crossword fun.