Nintendo Alarmo Alarm Clock Releases Before GTA 6

Nintendo's Surprise: An Interactive Alarm Clock and a Mysterious Switch Online Playtest

A Nintendo interactive alarm clock? It's true! Alongside the recently announced Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, Nintendo has also launched a secretive Switch Online playtest.

The Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo

Free Alarm Sound Updates on the Way!

Priced at $99, the "Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo" is no ordinary alarm clock. Nintendo boasts that it "responds to your body’s movement with game sounds," creating a truly immersive wake-up experience. Featuring alarm sounds from popular franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Splatoon, with more free updates promised, Alarmo aims to make rising and shining a bit more fun.

The clock's interactivity lies in its "get out of bed" requirement. The alarm only silences once you've fully left your bed, a "brief victory fanfare" for conquering that morning struggle. Setup is simple: choose a game theme, select a scene, set your alarm, and let Alarmo do the rest. While waving your hand near the clock will temporarily quieten the alarm, prolonged bed-dwelling will only increase its intensity.

Utilizing a unique "radio wave sensor," Alarmo measures your distance and movement speed by detecting radio wave reflections. Nintendo developer Tetsuya Akama highlights its privacy advantages over camera-based solutions, emphasizing its ability to detect subtle movements even in dark rooms or with obstacles present.

Early Access and Availability

Nintendo Switch Online members in the US and Canada enjoy exclusive early access via the My Nintendo Store for a limited time. Additionally, the Nintendo New York store offers in-person purchases at launch, while supplies last.

The Enigmatic Switch Online Playtest

Applications Open October 10th!

Separately, Nintendo announced applications for a Switch Online playtest, opening October 10th at 8:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM ET and closing October 15th at 7:59 AM PT / 10:59 AM ET. This playtest, focusing on a new Nintendo Switch Online service feature, will select up to 10,000 participants. Non-Japanese applicants will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. The playtest itself runs from October 23rd to November 5th.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership (by October 9th, 3:00 PM PDT).
• At least 18 years old (by October 9th, 3:00 PM PDT).
• Nintendo Account registered in Japan, the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain.