If the release of a Nintendo interactive alarm clock wasn't on your 2024 bingo card, you're not alone! The gaming giant has surprised us with the "Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo," a $99 gadget that promises to make waking up a more engaging experience. Alongside this, Nintendo has also kicked off a mysterious Switch Online playtest, adding to the excitement.
Nintendo Releases an Interactive Alarm Clock
Free Alarm Updates Coming Soon!
Nintendo's latest offering, the "Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo," is designed to transform your morning routine. Priced at $99, this innovative alarm clock uses game sounds to respond to your movements, immersing you in a game-like wake-up experience. With alarm tones inspired by iconic Nintendo franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Splatoon, and the promise of free future updates, Alarmo is set to keep your mornings fresh and exciting.
The Alarmo's unique feature is its insistence on you getting out of bed to turn it off, turning the act of rising into a "brief victory fanfare." To use it, simply choose your favorite game, select a scene, set your alarm time, and let Alarmo do the rest. If you try to snooze by waving your hand, the alarm will only quiet down temporarily. Stay in bed too long, and the alarm will intensify, encouraging you to start your day.
Nintendo's Alarmo employs a "radio wave sensor" to detect your movements. This technology uses radio wave reflections to gauge your distance and speed, ensuring privacy without the need for cameras. "The key feature is that it can recognize very subtle movements," explained Nintendo developer Tetsuya Akama. "Since it uses radio waves, it can be used in dark rooms and can detect movements even if there are obstacles, as long as the radio waves can pass through."
Nintendo Switch Online members in the United States and Canada can get their hands on Alarmo early through the My Nintendo Store, while all visitors to the Nintendo New York store can purchase it in person at launch, subject to availability.
Nintendo Announces Switch Online Playtest
Applications Begin October 10!
In addition to the Alarmo, Nintendo has announced a Switch Online playtest. Applications for this event will open from October 10 at 8:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM ET until October 15 at 7:59 AM PT / 10:59 AM ET. This playtest is part of a new feature for the Nintendo Switch Online service, and up to 10,000 participants will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis for those outside Japan.
To participate, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership as of Wednesday, 10/09/2024 03:00 p.m. PDT.
- You must be at least 18 years of age as of Wednesday, 10/09/2024 03:00 p.m. PDT.
- Your Nintendo Account must be registered to one of the following countries: Japan, The United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain.
The playtest itself will run from October 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET to November 5, 2024, at 4:59 PM PT / 7:59 PM ET, offering participants a chance to experience and provide feedback on the new feature.
