As anticipation builds for Nintendo to unveil the Switch 2, the company has surprised fans with the unexpected launch of a new interactive alarm clock called the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo.
In a message to the press, Nintendo posed the question, “Ever wish that you could wake up in one of the playful worlds from Nintendo? Well, it’s time to stop dreaming!”
How Much Does Nintendo’s Newly-Launched Alarm Clock Cost?
Set to release in early 2025 for $99.99, Alarmo is currently available for purchase through the My Nintendo Store for Nintendo Switch Online members in the U.S. and Canada.
This innovative alarm clock features motion sensor technology, allowing users to snooze their alarms with just a wave and stop them by getting out of bed. It offers 35 scenes inspired by five Nintendo games: Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Splatoon 3, Pikmin 4, and Ring Fit Adventure. Users can choose a scene, set their alarm time, and let Alarmo do its magic.
According to Nintendo, waking up with Alarmo immerses you in sounds and music from your selected scene. You can wake up to the Mushroom Kingdom alongside Mario and friends, embark on an adventure with Link and Princess Zelda, or start your day with the Inklings from Splatoon 3, among other experiences.
In addition to waking you up, Alarmo tracks your movement during sleep, allows for an hourly chime themed to your chosen game, and offers options for either Steady or Gentle Modes for your alarm. Steady Mode gradually increases in intensity the longer you stay in bed, while Gentle Mode maintains a consistent volume. There’s also a Button Mode for those who prefer a traditional snooze experience, and soothing sounds can be set for winding down at bedtime.
How Does Alarmo Function?
Before the alarm goes off, a character from the chosen game waits on screen. When the alarm starts, gentle sounds unique to that scene play, followed by the appearance of a visitor from the game.
Users can then wave their hand or move their body to reduce the volume. Depending on the game selected, familiar sounds such as coins may also be heard during interactions.
If you remain in bed for too long, the alarm will intensify, with a special visit from “someone more persuasive” (yes, it’s Bowser) as a playful nudge to get you up. Once you get out of bed, the alarm stops, and you’ll hear a brief victory fanfare.
Will Alarmo Also Get Upgrades Like Nintendo’s Games?
In keeping with their tradition of updating games, Nintendo plans to add new scenes from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons to Alarmo for free when available.
Alarmo is designed for beds ranging from twin to king sizes and should be positioned facing the center of the bed, within arm’s reach and no higher than eight inches above the sleeper. For those sharing a bed, Nintendo suggests using Button Mode for optimal results.
Concerns about privacy are addressed, with Nintendo assuring users that Alarmo “does not communicate any information” back to the company.
While this announcement may not be the anticipated Switch 2 reveal, Alarmo marks an exciting new hardware release from Nintendo, making it worth getting out of bed for.
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