Nintendo Shocks With New Announcement of $100 Alarmo

^{Featured image credit: Nintendo}

Forget what you knew about alarm clocks. Nintendo has changed the game by introducing the Alarmo, a cross between video games and those morning beepers. What’s the deal with this $100 device? Here’s what you need to know about the newest Nintendo alarm clock. 

What Is the Nintendo Alarmo?

Alarmo is Nintendo’s newest toy, and it will be released in March 2025. That said, some can get it as early as November through a timed exclusive offer. With this alarm clock, you have a new way of waking up in the morning. 

The device features sounds and voices from your favorite characters in the Japanese company’s world, such as Mario and Peach. Alarmo also features advanced technologies to enhance interactiveness and fun. 

The alarm clock is a gift from Nintendo to its most devoted fans — the ones who eat, sleep and breathe these video games. If you’ve played their systems since the famous Nintendo Entertainment System, you may appreciate Alarmo.  

What Are the Benefits of the Nintendo Alarm Clock?

If you need help waking up in the morning, you may need more than a cup of coffee and the smell of bacon. Here are a few benefits to Alarmo that Nintendo fans may appreciate. 

1. Entertainment

Above all, this alarm clock is supposed to be entertaining. Alarmo’s initial release will feature five games and preloaded sounds and animations to wake you up in the morning. Here are the titles: 

• Pikim 4
• Ring Fit Adventure
• Splatoon 3
• Super Mario Odyssey
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

When it’s almost time for the alarm to go off, the character will appear on the screen. Once it’s time, Alarmo plays gentle sounds with the chosen scene. 

After a few moments, one of the characters begins speaking. For instance, Peach from Super Mario Odyssey may appear to try to wake you up. If you don’t get ready to hear from Bowser. 

2. Customization

Another perk of the alarm is its customization. You can alter the settings to determine how you want to wake up each morning. For instance, you can choose whether to use buttons. 

If the alarm goes off and you’re not ready to wake up, you can wave your hands to snooze Alarmo. Traditional users may want buttons on the Nintendo alarm clock, so that’s also an option. 

You also get customization with the alarm intensity. If you’re cranky in the morning, you may want to choose Gentle Mode to ease your body awake. However, deeper sleepers may benefit from higher intensities and Bowser’s wake-up demands. 

3. Sleep Tracking

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says adults need seven to nine hours of sleep nightly. So, how do you know how much rest you’re getting? Alarmo has your back. 

Nintendo says its alarm clock lets you check records to see how much time you’ve spent in bed and your nightly movements. Tossing and turning could indicate you need help sleeping, so you may need to see a specialist. 

The company says software updates are required to implement this feature. With this information, you can compare your sleep throughout the week and see what adjustments you should make. 

After all, sleep is integral to muscle recovery and feeling like yourself the next day. 

Does Alarmo Have Any Drawbacks?

While the alarm clock is a fun device, it could have some drawbacks. What could go wrong with Nintendo’s newest gadget? Here are a few disadvantages. 

1. Cost

First, you must look at the cost. $100 is a steep price for an alarm clock without a ton of functionality. Smart clocks can exceed $150 for most high-end devices, although the basic ones typically stay below $50. 

Yes, other alarm clocks don’t have Nintendo characters like Alarmo does. There is no other device where you can get Link, Zelda and Mario to wake you up in the morning. 

However, at what point does the cost outweigh the novelty? Ultimately, it’s an alarm clock. It doesn’t seem much more special than its competitors. If you value entertainment, it could be the one for you. 

The November release date is strategic for anybody who wants to buy Nintendo products. With the upcoming holidays, Alarmo could be an excellent pair with a Switch game or other company products. Could it debut in time for the Nintendo Switch 2?  

2. Annoyingness 

The first time you hear the alarm clock, you may laugh and appreciate the nice wake-up call. After a few mornings, the laughs turn into small smirks. Eventually, the noises could be agitating and grating voices. 

If you’re not a morning person, you might not appreciate the repetitiveness of these sounds as you rise. The same characters and scenes can get annoying after a while, so consider your tolerance for them. 

One solution is to change the game and scene each night, but do you want to put that much effort into an alarm clock? 

Also, consider your mind’s association with the game. Do you want to picture your alarm clock as you play the Legend of Zelda and progress through the story? 

3. Limited Characters

Another criticism is the limited number of characters and scenes on the Alarmo. Nintendo’s gaming catalog is vast, so having only five titles surprises gamers. 

Consider the various franchises and the notable exclusions. Where is Luigi’s Mansion or all the Pokémon games? Experts say Pokémon Go has 81 million active players, so it could have been included here. 

While there are plenty of exclusions, Nintendo has said free downloads will be available after the launch. For instance, you’ll get Animal Crossing and Mario Kart animations for your early morning rise. 

What characters do you want to see? One way Nintendo could be inclusive is by introducing a Super Smash Bros. Brawl option. This game has nearly 100 characters, so gamers can find their favorite options with each alarm setting. 

Will the Alarmo Be Worth the Cost?

Time will tell whether Nintendo’s newest product is worth the price tag. This alarm clock fits an entertainment niche by bringing humor to your morning routine. However, it could become annoying after a while and be too much for the average consumer. 

If you’re a Nintendo superfan, it could work for you. However, other smart alarm clocks are just as effective with lower costs.