As it turns out, that mystery Nintendo gadget that popped up recently wasn’t an accessory for its upcoming Switch 2 console after all.
As usual, Nintendo has surprised everyone with a totally leftfield product that no one was expecting - and that some probably didn’t want.
The inventive Japanese firm is releasing an alarm clock that plays game sounds that respond to your movements. It’s called “Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo”, and it’s launching as a timed exclusive for Nintendo Switch Online members this week.
Forget the placid tones of your iPhone alarm, there’s nothing like the coin dings from Super Mario to jolt you from your slumber. Those slot-machine-style sounds will keep ringing as you toss and turn, until you finally decide to get out of bed.
Meanwhile, the interactive clock’s screen will display scenes from some of the biggest Nintendo games, from Super Mario Odyssey to Zelda: Breath of the Wild. There’s nothing like waking up to a pic of Link to make you wish you were playing Switch instead of going to work.
A total of 35 scenes will be available at launch, with more to come in the form of updates for those who link their Switch accounts.
The clock will also display stats about how much you stir in your sleep, offer different chimes that can change between firm or gentle modes, and come with a “tactile” snooze button.
Nintendo’s “Alarmo” clock costs $99.99 (£76) and goes on sale from later this week till mid-January 2025. It will be available exclusively through Nintendo’s online store for Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members - though there’s nothing stopping you from grabbing a subscription just to buy the device.
Of course, the announcement probably won’t go down well with gamers who are anxiously awaiting the Switch 2. It’s been months since Nintendo confirmed that it was working on the successor to its hugely popular Switch console, but we haven’t heard anything about it since, including at the Direct online presentations the company has held.
The clock follows the launch of Pokémon Sleep, a sleep-tracking mobile game released last summer for iPhone and Android. By placing their phones near their pillows, the app can track players’ sleep patterns using the device's microphone and motion-sensing accelerometer.
