Nintendo's Alarmo Alarm Clock: Wider Release and Enhanced Features

Nintendo's innovative alarm clock, Alarmo, is slated for a broader retail release in March 2025, as announced via their official Twitter (X) account. This expansion means Alarmo will be available at major retailers globally, including Target, Walmart, GameStop, and other authorized vendors, eliminating the previous requirement of a Nintendo Online subscription. The device will retail for $99.99 USD.

Initial Release and High Demand

The initial release of Alarmo on October 9th, 2024, resulted in unexpectedly high demand. In Japan, sales were temporarily suspended on the My Nintendo Store, shifting to a lottery system for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers due to overwhelming orders. Similar high demand led to sell-outs in locations like New York City.

Key Features and Functionality

Alarmo boasts a unique interactive experience, featuring sound effects and visuals from popular Nintendo franchises such as Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Splatoon 3. Users can select from 42 game-themed scenes, with more to be added via free updates.

The alarm itself involves an engaging interaction: a character appears on screen, plays a gentle sound, and then a "visitor" arrives. Users can quiet the alarm by waving or moving, and a more insistent visitor and louder sound will appear if they remain in bed too long. The alarm stops only when the user gets up, thanks to its motion sensor. No need to touch the clock!

Alarmo also offers additional features like hourly chimes, sleep sounds synced with the chosen scene, and sleep pattern tracking. For households with multiple people or pets, a "Button Mode" is recommended.

While initially requiring a Nintendo Online membership, this restriction will be removed with the wider release in March 2025, making Alarmo accessible to all.