Alarmo sounds like the name of a ringtone, but it isn't. It is the latest oddball creation by Nintendo that appeared seemingly out of nowhere. It's not the highly anticipated Switch 2 but rather an unexpected $100 alarm clock.
This alarm clock comes with motion sensors, sound effects, and even sleep tracking. But this isn't Nintendo's first time releasing quirky gadgets. Remember Nintendo Labo? The time they sold us cardboard, and we bought it.
Alarmo’s High-Tech Charm
Nintendo's Alarmo might seem like a novelty item, an alarm clock that doubles as a Nintendo fan's dream. It is equipped with sound effects tied to various game franchises and even has a sensor that reacts to your movements. Motion sensors are also available to track your sleep patterns, and you can wake up with a delightful or stressful sound that fits your preferences.
This alarm clock is definitely quirky, and Nintendo fans may appreciate the nostalgia and immersion it offers. Yet its absurdity pales in comparison to the cardboard device Nintendo built a few years back, the Nintendo Labo.
When Nintendo Sold Us Cardboard and Got Away With It
In 2019, Nintendo dropped the Labo VR, and it took the gaming world by storm—not because of its cutting-edge technology but because it was made out of cardboard. Yes, actual cardboard, and you could build VR kits, from cameras to shotguns, and insert your Nintendo Switch into it for a unique gaming experience. As ridiculous as it sounds, it worked.
The Labo VR kits came with a variety of games: one involved shooting aliens with a cardboard blaster, and the other one had players flapping their arms like birds. This experience was delightfully weird and made Labo truly stand out.
The Power of Quirk
Both Alarmo and Labo make it clear that Nintendo doesn't shy away from out-of-the-box ideas. While other companies may be focused on VR headsets or cutting-edge graphics, Nintendo leads into unconventional ideas. They take risks, and those risks often pay off.
The Labo VR proved that something made from cardboard could be innovative, and now, with Alarmo, they're once again turning something as simple as waking up into a joyful experience.