Nintendo’s Alarmo: A Charming But Flawed Gadget for the Sleep-Deprived

Alarm clocks are notorious for their role in shattering our precious slumber. So, when Nintendo unveiled Alarmo, I was intrigued. This gadget promises a playful way to wake up, featuring beloved characters from gaming franchises and unique soundscapes. With a price tag of $99, let’s explore whether Alarmo delivers on its promise of a soothing wake-up experience or just adds another layer of annoyance to our mornings.

Cute design, but is it a game-changer?

Nostalgic Design

At first glance, Alarmo is undeniably eye-catching. This compact red cylinder sports a prominent white button on top and has a 2.8-inch LCD display that almost appears circular in its dark bezel. Users can select between five game-inspired interfaces that feature characters such as Link from Breath of the Wild, Captain Olimar from Pikmin 4, and others from Nintendo’s iconic lineup. The clockface is not just for decoration; it comes to life with animations as you move near it, making it a delightful addition to a shelf or nightstand.

Alarm Features with a Twist

Alarmo boasts a plethora of charming alarm options, allowing you to wake up to 35 different gaming “scenes.” These include gentle wake-up calls from Zelda herself, as well as the more alarming sound of a Pikmin in distress. The unique aspect of these alarms is their gradual intensifying sound, a gentle reminder to rise and shine instead of a jarring wake-up call. Plus, its top button flashes colorful lights to rouse sleepyheads from their beds.

Functionality extends to custom alarm schedules for specific days of the week. Alarmo even tracks your sleep patterns, all accessible right from the device itself, though it notably lacks any sort of device synchronization with apps.

User Experience and Interactivity

Operating Alarmo is straightforward. A gentle tap on the prominent button silences the alarm, and twisting it allows adjustments like setting the time. The clock provides convenient back and notification buttons. Although notifications currently enhance awareness of existing features, future updates may bring fresh sounds and settings tied to popular titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons. However, this requires linking a Nintendo account to unlock these perks.

One of its standout features is the millimeter wave motion sensor, allowing users to interact with Alarmo simply through movement. Rolling out of bed is enough to switch off the alarm, and a casual wave snoozes the alert for a few remaining minutes. Yet, this innovative feature has a notable drawback: it can’t differentiate between multiple individuals. So if one partner wakes up, while the other luxuriates in bed, it could lead to some rather unpleasant mornings.

Interactivity meets nostalgia with Alarmo’s design.

Soothing Sounds for Sleep

Alarmo doesn’t stop at waking you up; it aims to help you fall asleep too. With a preset bedtime, soothing soundscapes based on selected games begin playing—no button presses required as you get comfy in bed. For instance, the Zelda nighttime theme features serene piano notes accompanied by crackling fire—ideal for evoking feelings of restfulness. However, alarmingly, the soothing sounds only last a mere ten minutes before fading into silence, leaving sleep enthusiasts searching for other comfort sources.

The Verdict: Is Alarmo Worth It?

Despite its playful aesthetics and potential for a more enjoyable morning routine, Alarmo feels more like a novelty item rather than a practical upgrade for sleep optimization. Sure, it’s a charming nod to Nintendo enthusiasts, but those seeking an alarm clock with real sleep quality improvement might want to look elsewhere. The quirks—such as limited sound duration and motion sensor constraints—suggest that functionality took a backseat to the gadget’s lively presentation. After all, adorable characters alone can’t transform the nature of waking up. Alarmo may not be the answer to all our sleepy struggles, but it undoubtedly adds a splash of game-inspired charm to your morning routine.

Alarmo is now available for preorder for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers and will launch to the general public in early 2025.

More than just a clock—it’s a nostalgic experience.