Nintendo's Surprise: An Interactive Alarm Clock and a Switch Online Playtest
Forget your 2024 predictions – Nintendo just launched the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, an interactive alarm clock! This isn't your average alarm; it uses game sounds to rouse you from slumber, making waking up feel like entering a Nintendo game world. Plus, they've also announced a mysterious Switch Online playtest.
Wake Up to the Sounds of Adventure with Alarmo
Priced at $99, the Alarmo features alarm sounds from popular Nintendo franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Splatoon, with free updates adding more sounds soon. The real innovation? Its motion-sensing technology. The alarm only stops when you fully leave your bed, rewarding your rise with a "victory fanfare." Wave your hand to quiet the alarm temporarily, but prolonged slumber will only make it louder!
The technology behind this clever device is a radio wave sensor. It measures your distance and movement speed without using a camera, prioritizing your privacy. This means it functions perfectly even in dark rooms and through obstacles. "It can recognize even subtle movements," explains developer Tetsuya Akama.
For a limited time, US and Canadian Nintendo Switch Online members can purchase Alarmo exclusively through the My Nintendo Store. The alarm clock will also be available in-store at Nintendo New York.
Nintendo Switch Online Playtest: Applications Open October 10th!
Simultaneously, Nintendo 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 10,000 participants are reached. This playtest, focused on a new Switch Online feature, is open to those outside Japan on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership (by October 9th, 3:00 PM PDT)
- At least 18 years old (by October 9th, 3:00 PM PDT)
- Nintendo Account registered in Japan, USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain.
The playtest itself runs from October 23rd (6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET) to November 5th (4:59 PM PT / 7:59 PM ET).
