Since its soft launch last year, Nintendo’s charming Alarmo has been hard to come by, but that scarcity seems to be fading. This whimsical $99.99 alarm clock is now easily accessible from various third-party retailers in the US, beginning with Best Buy. Additionally, you can purchase it directly from Nintendo without needing a subscription, although you will be required to log in with a Nintendo account.
Nintendo first unveiled its alarm clock back in October, while many of us eagerly awaited updates about the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, which is set to launch later this year. While the Alarmo may not rival the excitement of a new console, its design is unmistakably Nintendo. With a playful aesthetic reminiscent of vintage alarm clocks, it cleverly incorporates some modern features.
Brimming with character, Nintendo’s bright red alarm clock boasts an illuminated button on its top and a rounded face that encases an LCD display. The 2.8-inch screen not only shows the time and date, but it also strives to wake you each morning with delightful scenes and sounds from beloved franchises. You can expect visits from iconic characters like Link, Mario, and even Pikmin. Currently, there are 35 scenes spanning five franchises available, and Nintendo plans to release additional content in the future.
For those who prefer a more conventional experience, the button mode allows users to easily start and stop alarms or access settings by tapping and twisting the top button. The Alarmo also features sleep sounds that begin automatically when you settle in for the night, tracks basic sleep patterns, and even sounds hourly chimes to help you manage your time throughout the day. While none of its features may surpass those of specialized alarm clocks or sound machines, it certainly stands out for its irresistible charm.
Vocabulary List:
- Whimsical /ˈwɪmzɪkəl/ (adjective): Playfully quaint or fanciful especially in an appealing and amusing way.
- Anticipated /ænˈtɪsɪpeɪtɪd/ (adjective): Regarded as probable; expected or predicted.
- Aesthetic /iːsˈθɛtɪk/ (adjective): Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
- Illuminated /ɪˈluːməneɪtɪd/ (adjective): Lit up; made bright.
- Strives /straɪvz/ (verb): Makes great efforts to achieve or obtain something.
- Irresistible /ˌɪrɪˈzɪstɪbəl/ (adjective): Too attractive or appealing to be resisted.