Nintendo's Alarmo Alarm Clock Drops Ahead of GTA 6

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

Who saw this coming? Nintendo has launched the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, an interactive alarm clock priced at $99. Beyond this unexpected release, they've also announced a secretive Switch Online playtest.

The Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo – Wake Up in the Game World!

The Alarmo uses game sounds from titles like Mario, Zelda, and Splatoon to rouse you from slumber. More free sound updates are promised soon. The alarm's unique feature? It only silences when you fully leave your bed, rewarding your morning triumph with a virtual fanfare. Setup is simple: choose a game, select a scene, set your alarm, and let the interactivity begin. Waving your hand quiets the alarm temporarily; prolonged slumber only increases its intensity.

Powered by a radio wave sensor, the Alarmo measures your distance and movement speed without using video, prioritizing user privacy. Developer Tetsuya Akama highlights its ability to detect subtle movements, even in dark rooms or with obstacles, thanks to the radio wave technology.

Early access is available to Nintendo Switch Online members in the US and Canada via the My Nintendo Store, for a limited time. The Nintendo New York store also offers in-person purchases at launch.

Nintendo Switch Online Playtest – Applications Open October 10th!

A new Switch Online playtest is underway! Applications open October 10th, 8:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM ET, and close October 15th, 7:59 AM PT / 10:59 AM ET, or earlier if the 10,000 participant limit is reached. Selection for participants outside Japan is first-come, first-served.

Eligibility requirements:

• Active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership (as of October 9th, 2024, 3:00 PM PDT).
• At least 18 years old (as of October 9th, 2024, 3:00 PM PDT).
• Nintendo Account registered in Japan, the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain.

The playtest runs from October 23rd, 6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET to November 5th, 4:59 PM PT / 7:59 PM ET.