Nintendo’s latest gadget, Alarmo, has brought a fresh spin to the traditional alarm clock by merging it with smart, sleep-tracking features and Nintendo’s unique aesthetic. This $99.99 device, available for purchase exclusively through Nintendo’s online store for Switch Online members, has sparked curiosity and mixed reactions from fans who’ve been eagerly awaiting the next-generation Switch console.
Alarmo’s design leans toward the nostalgic, resembling a classic alarm clock with a modern twist. Its rounded body hosts a rectangular screen, which some reviewers feel limits the device’s visual appeal since it doesn’t utilize a full circular clock mode. The display’s brightness is automatically adjusted by a sensor, although it can also be manually controlled. At its core, the Alarmo is more than just a clock; it’s a sleep assistant that uses motion-sensing technology to monitor sleep patterns, providing insights on how often users stir throughout the night.
What truly distinguishes Alarmo is its array of Nintendo-themed alarm tones and visuals. From The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to Super Mario Odyssey and Pikmin 4, users have access to 35 preloaded scenes and alarm sounds at launch. As Nintendo releases updates, additional themes from popular franchises like Animal Crossing and Mario Kart will become available. The device allows users to interact with it through an old-school rotary-style dial to select and set alarms, though the navigation style has faced some critiques for being unintuitive compared to touchscreen models.
Aside from its charming design, Alarmo offers a range of motion-sensing features to detect movement both in bed and upon waking. If a user stirs during sleep, the device tracks this, and in the morning, it escalates the alarm sounds depending on the level of motion detected. Alarmo also includes various alarm modes, such as “Steady,” “Moderate,” “Mild,” and “Button,” catering to different wake-up preferences. The “Button” mode, for instance, disables the motion-sensing alarm escalation, ideal for users with pets or a partner who could inadvertently trigger the alarm by moving around.
However, not everything is going smoothly for the launch of the Alarmo alarm clock. The lack of app connectivity is one noticeable limitation. Unlike competing products, Alarmo does not integrate with smartphones or third-party apps.
This is a HUGE missed opportunity!
Alarmo does connect to the internet for firmware updates and additional theme downloads, so maybe this is a mistake they can correct with a new update.
Priced just shy of $100, Alarmo’s price point aligns with some premium alarm clocks, though it still represents a significant purchase for what remains a basic device in many ways. Its unique positioning as a sleep tracker combined with Nintendo-themed functionality could appeal to fans of the brand and those who appreciate gamified, themed tech products. As Nintendo recently ventured into the sleep market with the Pokémon Sleep app, it seems to be building a broader sleep-based ecosystem.
Although some Nintendo fans are excited about the quirky appeal of a Nintendo-branded alarm clock, others have expressed disappointment, wishing for an update on the long-anticipated Switch 2 console instead. Right now Alarmo stands as a niche offering that, despite its limited functionality, adds a bit of Nintendo charm to a previously overlooked category of tech.
Alarmo highlights Nintendo’s innovative approach by combining practical functionality with engaging, interactive themes, bringing a touch of nostalgia and fun into the sleep-tracking space. Whether it will become a staple in homes or a cult favorite among fans remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly brings a unique experience to the bedside.
