As anticipation builds for a potential Switch 2 announcement, Nintendo has thrown a curveball by unveiling a completely unexpected new piece of hardware: an interactive alarm clock called the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo. Designed to bring a touch of Nintendo magic to daily routines, Alarmo offers a whimsical way to start the day, featuring immersive soundscapes and music from popular games like Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Splatoon. Set to launch in early 2025 for $99.99, Alarmo is already available for purchase through the My Nintendo Store for Nintendo Switch Online members in the U.S. and Canada.
A Playful Start to Your Morning: Wake Up with Nintendo
The Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo aims to make waking up a little more fun by allowing users to choose from a variety of themed sound experiences. Whether it’s the cheerful sounds of the Mushroom Kingdom with Mario and friends, the adventurous tunes of Hyrule with Link and Princess Zelda, or the fresh vibes of Splatoon 3’s Inklings, each morning can start in a different Nintendo world.
Before the alarm goes off, a character from the chosen game appears on the screen, waiting patiently. When the alarm begins, gentle sounds unique to the selected scene start to play, followed by a visit from a familiar in-game character. Users can interact with the clock by waving a hand or moving, causing the sound to lower and triggering familiar sound effects like coins. The experience continues with alternating gentle sounds and character visits, encouraging users to get out of bed. If you linger too long, the alarm will escalate with a visit from a “more persuasive” character—yes, that means Bowser.
Features and Customization: Making Mornings More Interactive
Alarmo offers a range of features to enhance the morning routine. Users can choose between different alarm modes, including:
- Steady Mode: The alarm’s intensity increases the longer you stay in bed.
- Gentle Mode: The alarm maintains a consistent intensity level.
- Button Mode: A more traditional alarm clock experience that lets users “hit the snooze button” manually.
In addition to its morning functions, Alarmo includes a “sleepy sounds” feature that plays soothing music at bedtime to help users wind down. The device can also track sleep movement, offering insights into how much you toss and turn at night. Users can even set hourly chimes themed to their chosen title for added Nintendo flair throughout the day.
Free Updates and Compatibility: Expanding the Alarmo Experience
Nintendo plans to release free updates for Alarmo, adding new scenes and sounds from beloved games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. These updates will bring even more variety to the experience, allowing users to customize their wake-up routine with additional familiar worlds.
However, there are some compatibility guidelines to keep in mind. Alarmo is designed for use with twin to king-sized beds and should be placed facing the center of the bed, within arm’s reach, and no higher than eight inches above the sleeper. If more than one person shares the bed, Nintendo recommends using Button Mode to ensure the best experience.
Privacy and Data Security: What Nintendo Says About Your Sleep Data
For those concerned about privacy, Nintendo has assured users that Alarmo does not transmit any sleep data or other personal information back to the company. The device is designed to work locally without connecting to the internet or sending data, making it a standalone addition to the home without any data-sharing concerns.
Not the Switch 2, But a Fun New Gadget
While Alarmo isn’t the long-rumored Switch 2 announcement that many Nintendo fans were hoping for, it’s still an exciting new addition to the company’s lineup. Nintendo has a history of surprising its audience with unique hardware, and Alarmo adds a playful twist to the often mundane task of waking up. With its engaging design and familiar characters, Alarmo is set to bring some of Nintendo’s signature charm to mornings.
Nintendo’s announcement of the Sound Clock: Alarmo may not be the gaming hardware everyone was waiting for, but it adds an unexpected layer of fun to daily routines. By combining classic gaming worlds with an everyday necessity, Nintendo has created a gadget that’s as delightful as it is practical. With more updates and themed experiences on the way, Alarmo could become the must-have bedside accessory for gamers and Nintendo fans alike. Whether it’s waking up with the iconic sounds of Mario or drifting off to sleep with relaxing tunes, Alarmo offers a new way to bring the magic of Nintendo into the home.
