Nintendo Unveils Alarmo Alarm Clock

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

Who saw this coming? Nintendo has launched a new interactive alarm clock, the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, alongside a secretive Switch Online playtest. Let's dive into the details.

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

Free Sound Updates on the Way!

The alarm's unique feature? It only stops when you fully leave your bed. Nintendo playfully calls this a "brief victory fanfare," acknowledging the daily struggle of rising and shining. Setup is simple: choose a game, select a scene, set your alarm, and let the interactive fun begin. Waving your hand near the clock will temporarily quieten the alarm, but lingering in bed will only make it louder!

The magic behind the Alarmo lies in its "radio wave sensor." This innovative technology measures your distance and movement speed by detecting radio wave reflections, ensuring privacy without the need for video recording. Developer Tetsuya Akama highlights its ability to detect subtle movements, even in dark rooms or with obstacles, as long as the radio waves can penetrate.

Early Access and Availability:

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

A New Switch Online Playtest – What's Next?

Applications Open October 10th!

Beyond the Alarmo, Nintendo has announced a Switch Online playtest. 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. This playtest, focused on a new Nintendo Switch Online feature, is open to those outside Japan on a first-come, first-served basis.

To apply, you must:

⚫︎ Have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership by October 9th, 2024, 3:00 PM PDT. ⚫︎ Be at least 18 years old by October 9th, 2024, 3:00 PM PDT. ⚫︎ Have a Nintendo Account registered in Japan, the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain.

The playtest itself runs from October 23rd, 2024 (6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET) to November 5th, 2024 (4:59 PM PT / 7:59 PM ET).