Nintendo Alarmo Alarm Clock Launches Before GTA 6

Surprise! Nintendo has just unveiled the "Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo," a unique interactive alarm clock that wasn't on anyone's 2024 bingo card. Priced at $99, Alarmo brings the gaming world into your morning routine with alarm sounds inspired by iconic Nintendo games like Mario, Zelda, and Splatoon. And the best part? Nintendo promises free updates with additional alarm sounds in the future!

Alarmo isn't just any alarm clock. It responds to your movements with game sounds, making you feel as though you're waking up in a game world. The innovative feature here is that it won't stop ringing until you get out of bed, turning the act of rising into a "brief victory fanfare." To use it, simply select a game, choose a scene, set your wake-up time, and let Alarmo do its magic. If you try to snooze by waving your hand, the alarm will only quiet down temporarily, intensifying if you linger in bed too long.

The technology behind Alarmo is fascinating. It uses a "radio wave sensor" to detect your movements. This sensor measures your distance from the clock and the speed of your movements, all while respecting your privacy by not using cameras. "The key feature is that it can recognize very subtle movements," said Nintendo developer Tetsuya Akama. "Unlike cameras, it doesn't need to film videos, so privacy is better protected. It can also detect movements in dark rooms and through obstacles as long as the radio waves can pass through."

Nintendo Switch Online members in the United States and Canada can get their hands on Alarmo ahead of the general public through the My Nintendo Store. Additionally, all visitors to the Nintendo New York store can purchase it in person at launch while supplies last.

Nintendo Announces Switch Online Playtest

In addition to the Alarmo release, Nintendo has announced a Switch Online playtest. Applications for this exclusive event will be open from October 10 at 8:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM ET until October 15 at 7:59 AM PT / 10:59 AM ET. The playtest itself will run from October 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET to November 5, 2024, at 4:59 PM PT / 7:59 PM ET.

Nintendo aims to select up to 10,000 participants on a first-come, first-served basis for those outside Japan. To apply, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership as of Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 3:00 PM PDT.
• You must be at least 18 years old as of Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 3:00 PM PDT.
• Your Nintendo Account must be registered in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain.

This playtest is a unique opportunity for Nintendo fans to experience new features before they are rolled out to the general public. Don't miss your chance to be part of this exciting event!