Nintendo unexpectedly introduced a new device – a persistent smart alarm clock for $99

The most hated device by the vast majority of the population of our planet is, undoubtedly, the alarm clock. It’s hard to say what Nintendo was hoping for when it introduced the Sound Clock: Alarmo smart alarm clock, which is equipped with a motion sensor and increases the volume of music and sound effects if the user persists in his reluctance to get up. It’s probably for the best that the $99 device is only available to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers for now.

Image source: Nintendo

Instead of the long-awaited Switch 2 gaming console, Nintendo is entering the smart device market with its digital smart alarm clock, Sound Clock: Alarmo. The $99 device will wake up lucky Nintendo Switch Online members with tunes and sound effects from their favorite Nintendo franchises, including Super Mario Bros. The internet-connected alarm clock features a 2.8-inch display that displays the time and various animations from Nintendo games throughout the day and after the alarm goes off.

The device stands out among other similar gadgets by the presence of a motion sensor that can determine the user’s behavior when waking up. If Sound Clock: Alarmo detects that the owner is still lounging in bed, it will begin to increase the volume of the music and add sound effects. Having achieved its goal, Sound Clock: Alarmo will encourage the owner with festive music and calm down. To turn off the alarm, you don’t even need to touch it; you can go straight to the shower.

Nintendo recommends that “if more than one person sleeps in a bed, use Button Mode,” which turns the device into a traditional alarm clock. Motion detection functions are disabled in this mode.

Sound Clock: Alarmo can play alarms inspired by five different Nintendo games, including Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Pikmin 4, Splatoon 3 and Ring Fit Adventure. Each game will provide “seven types of alarms”, so the base version will have 35 alarm options.

Nintendo plans to provide free updates for the device and promises more content from games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. To switch between different forms of the alarm clock, the owner just needs to turn the large knob on the device.

Thanks to the Sound Clock: Alarmo motion sensor, it can track the owner’s sleep and keep statistics that can be viewed on its screen. The owner can choose between “steady mode,” where the alarm sound becomes more intense over time, and “soft mode,” where the volume does not change.

Sound Clock: Alarmo requires potential buyers in the US and Canada to subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online, which starts at $3.99 per month. An exception is made for visitors to the Nintendo New York store, who can purchase the product without an online subscription. The device will ship in early 2025 for $99, but Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can order it today.