If a Nintendo interactive alarm clock wasn't on your 2024 bingo card, you're not alone! The surprise launch of the "Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo" has caught many by surprise. Alongside this, Nintendo has also announced a mysterious Switch Online playtest, stirring up excitement among fans.
Nintendo Releases an Interactive Alarm Clock
Free Alarm Updates Coming Soon!
Nintendo has unveiled the "Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo," an innovative interactive alarm clock priced at $99. "Alarmo responds to your body's movement with game sounds," Nintendo stated, "allowing you to feel as if you're waking up in the game world itself." Featuring alarm sounds inspired by iconic Nintendo games like Mario, Zelda, and Splatoon, with promises of additional free alarm sounds in the future, Alarmo is set to revolutionize your morning routine.
The Alarmo operates uniquely; it won't stop ringing until you fully get out of bed, which Nintendo likens to a "brief victory fanfare." Setting it up is simple: choose a game, select a scene, set your alarm time, and let Alarmo take over. You can wave your hand to temporarily quiet the alarm, but lingering in bed will only make it louder, encouraging you to rise and shine.
Utilizing a special "radio wave sensor," Alarmo detects your distance and movement speed through radio wave reflections. "The key feature is its ability to recognize very subtle movements," explained Tetsuya Akama, a Nintendo developer. "Unlike cameras, it doesn't need to film videos, enhancing privacy. It works in dark rooms and can detect movements even through obstacles, as long as the radio waves can pass through."
Nintendo Switch Online members in the United States and Canada can purchase Alarmo online via the My Nintendo Store for a limited time before it's available to the general public. Additionally, visitors to the Nintendo New York store can buy it in person at launch while supplies last.
Nintendo Announces Switch Online Playtest
Applications Begin October 10!
In other news, Nintendo has announced a Switch Online playtest, with applications opening from October 10 at 8:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM ET until October 15 at 7:59 AM PT / 10:59 AM ET. "We will perform a test called Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program related to a new feature for the Nintendo Switch Online service," the company revealed.
Up to 10,000 participants will be chosen, with those outside Japan selected on a first-come-first-serve basis. Applications may close early if the participant limit is reached. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership as of Wednesday, 10/09/2024 03:00 p.m. PDT.
- You must be at least 18 years of age as of Wednesday, 10/09/2024 03:00 p.m. PDT.
- Your Nintendo Account must be registered to one of the following countries: Japan, The United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain.
The Switch Online playtest 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.
