Nintendo Introduces Motion-Controlled Alarm Clock, Alarmo

Nintendo, renowned for its innovative gaming consoles and software, has announced a novel product that diverts from its usual offerings—a motion-controlled alarm clock named Alarmo. This announcement forms part of the company’s experimental foray into household devices using advanced sensor technology.

The development team behind Alarmo comprises Yosuke Tamori from Nintendo’s Entertainment Planning & Development Department and Tetsuya Akama from the Technology Development Department. Tamori, who has previously worked on successful projects such as Splatoon for Wii U and Nintendo Labo for Switch, took the lead as producer, with Akama directing the project.

Akama explains that the Alarmo utilizes a special radio wave sensor designed to detect a person’s movements without the need for images or video. “To put it very simply,” he says, “it uses the reflection of radio waves to measure the distance from and speed of an object.” This technology, often used in self-driving cars and drones, allows the device to function in dark environments and through obstacles, protecting user privacy better than traditional cameras.

Alarmo’s unique features include the ability to wake users with sound effects and music drawn from popular Nintendo games, such as Breath of the Wild, Splatoon 3, and Super Mario Odyssey. “When you get out of bed, the alarm automatically stops,” Tamori adds, noting the pleasant, game-like experience the product aims to deliver.

The origins of the device were not initially as an alarm clock. Tamori elaborates that the inspiration came from Nintendo’s internal research into motion sensors, originally intended to enhance privacy in personal spaces like bedrooms. The initial goal was simply to support users during their sleep.

Throughout development, the Nintendo team iterated on various prototypes, exploring features such as automatically stopping the alarm upon detecting movement, and using body gestures to control the device—a concept Tamori humorously recalls as “such a hassle.” Eventually, these experimental stages culminated in a product that merges fun and functionality.

Akama notes, “From the early days of the project, we considered implementing features to wake yourself up, such as an alarm that stops shortly after you get out of bed.” With technological advances in sensor accuracy, the team refined the product to be more engaging, integrating audio cues and fanfares synchronized with user movement.

Alarmo is slated for release in early 2025 with a retail price of $99.99. Nintendo Switch Online subscribers are poised to gain additional benefits prior to the product’s public availability. Alarmo will offer sleep tracking features, with modes to customize alarms and sync music with sleep habits, thereby turning waking up into an interactive experience.