Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo – A Wake-up Call for Fans?

Nintendo's latest product announcement feels both completely unexpected and, somehow, very Nintendo.

Introducing the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, a $99.99 USD bedside alarm clock now available for early access purchase to Switch Online members.

Slated for general release in January 2025, this isn't a limited-edition gadget, but it's quirky enough to catch attention.

The Alarmo might seem like a strange fit in Nintendo's otherwise game-centric ecosystem.

It doesn’t sync with any Nintendo consoles—past or future—and won't have integration with the Switch or its upcoming successor.

It’s purely standalone, which makes me wonder: what’s the appeal? The main draw here is nostalgia.

It’ll wake you up using the same iconic Nintendo soundtracks and sound effects we’ve loved for decades.

But… are we really ready to associate the peaceful tunes of Zelda or the energetic beeps of Mario with the harsh reality of getting out of bed?

For $100, you might find yourself wishing your alarm was something else entirely after a few mornings of being roused by the same looping sounds. And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: most people just use their phone as an alarm these days.

What’s the target audience for a physical clock when apps and smartwatches can do more for less?

Alarmo may resonate with die-hard Nintendo fans who love niche collectibles, but it’s hard to imagine this fitting into a wider audience’s daily routine. There’s also a mysterious mention of “sensors” embedded in the Alarmo, which raises questions.

What exactly are these sensors detecting? Could this be the next step in personal data collection, or worse, an awkward attempt at monitoring private bedroom activities? All in all, it’s a very Nintendo move—unexpected, nostalgic, and a little out of touch with modern habits. But hey, if you ever wanted to wake up to Metroid sounds, you’ve got your chance.