Nintendo's Surprise: An Interactive Alarm Clock and a Mysterious Switch Online Playtest

A Nintendo interactive alarm clock? It's a surprising addition to 2024's tech landscape! Alongside the newly revealed Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, Nintendo has also launched a secretive Switch Online playtest.

The Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo

Free Sound Packs on the Way!

Priced at $99, the "Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo" is an interactive alarm clock designed to make waking up feel like stepping into a Nintendo game. The Alarmo uses game-inspired sounds from franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Splatoon, with free updates adding more sounds in the future.

The alarm's unique feature? It only silences when you fully leave your bed, rewarding your morning triumph with a virtual victory fanfare. Setup is simple: choose a game, select a scene, set your alarm, and let the Alarmo's interactivity take over. Waving your hand near the clock will temporarily quiet the alarm, but lingering in bed will only increase its intensity.

Nintendo employs a "radio wave sensor" to detect movement. This sensor measures distance and movement speed using radio wave reflections, offering a privacy-focused alternative to camera-based motion detection. According to developer Tetsuya Akama, the sensor is sensitive enough to detect subtle movements, works in darkness, and can even penetrate obstacles.

Early access for Nintendo Switch Online members in the US and Canada is available for a limited time via the My Nintendo Store. The Alarmo will also be available in-person at the Nintendo New York store while supplies last.

The Enigmatic Switch Online Playtest

Applications Open October 10!

In a separate announcement, Nintendo revealed a Switch Online playtest, accepting applications from October 10th, 8:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM ET to October 15th, 7:59 AM PT / 10:59 AM ET. This playtest focuses on a new Nintendo Switch Online service feature.

Up to 10,000 participants will be selected. Those outside Japan will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis, with applications closing early if the participant limit is reached. Eligibility requires:

• An active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership by October 9th, 2024, 3:00 PM PDT.
• Age 18 or older by October 9th, 2024, 3:00 PM PDT.
• A Nintendo Account registered in Japan, the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain.

The playtest itself runs from October 23rd, 2024, 6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET to November 5th, 2024, 4:59 PM PT / 7:59 PM ET.