Nintendo Alarmo Alarm Clock Releases Before 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, a $99 interactive alarm clock, alongside a secretive Switch Online playtest.

The Alarmo: Wake Up in Your Favorite Game World

The Alarmo uses game-inspired sounds from titles like Mario, Zelda, and Splatoon to rouse you from slumber. More soundtracks are promised as free updates. The unique selling point? It only silences when you fully leave your bed, rewarding your morning triumph with a virtual victory fanfare.

Setting the alarm involves choosing a game, scene, and time. While waving your hand at the clock will temporarily lower the volume, only getting out of bed will truly silence the insistent wake-up call.

Powered by a radio wave sensor, the Alarmo cleverly tracks your distance and movement speed without using video, prioritizing privacy. This technology allows for detection even in dark rooms or with obstacles present, as long as the radio waves can penetrate.

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.

A Switch Online Playtest: What's in Store?

Intriguingly, Nintendo has also announced a Switch Online playtest, open for applications from October 10th (8:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM ET) to October 15th (7:59 AM PT / 10:59 AM ET). Up to 10,000 participants will be selected globally, with those outside Japan chosen on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership by October 9th, 2024, 3:00 PM PDT.
• At least 18 years old by October 9th, 2024, 3:00 PM PDT.
• 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). The nature of the new feature remains shrouded in mystery, adding to the anticipation.