Nintendo has unveiled its latest hardware, and contrary to many rumors, it was not a new generation of the Switch but, instead, a product named Alarmo. We’re talking about a motion-sensing smart alarm clock priced at $99. While fans hoping for the next Switch might be disappointed, the new product offers a unique and enjoyable wake-up experience for those interested in gaming-inspired devices.
Available for Nintendo Switch Online members in the US and Canada, it’s a playful alternative to traditional alarms, featuring motion sensors that allow users to snooze the alarm by moving, and also, it includes a physical snooze button. The clock comes with various scenes and soundtracks from popular Nintendo games like Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Splatoon 3, Pikmin 4, and Ring Fit Adventure. Additional scenes will be released as free updates.
Two wake-up modes are available: a gentle mode and a more intense one that increases in urgency if ignored. In addition to waking users up, Alarmo can track sleep patterns by monitoring movement during sleep, similar to Pokémon Sleep. It also offers a bedtime mode that plays soothing sounds to help users fall asleep.
Nintendo plans to release more details about Alarmo and its development, which began as a broader motion-sensor research project. Producer Yosuke Tamori, known for his work on Splatoon and Nintendo Labo, explained that the focus on an alarm clock emerged after extensive testing and prototyping.
Currently, Alarmo is available for pre-order to Switch Online members, with wider retail availability expected next year. While it includes a USB power cable, users must supply their own AC adapter. Alarmo presents a novel way for Nintendo fans to incorporate their favorite gaming experiences into their daily routines.