Nintendo's Surprise: An Interactive Alarm Clock and a Mysterious Switch Online Playtest

Forget your expectations for 2024 – Nintendo has launched the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, an interactive alarm clock priced at $99. This isn't your average alarm; it uses game sounds to rouse you, making you feel like you're waking up inside a Nintendo game. Currently featuring sounds from Mario, Zelda, and Splatoon, with free updates promised, the Alarmo intensifies its alarm until you get out of bed, rewarding your eventual rise with a "victory fanfare." The device uses a radio wave sensor to detect movement, prioritizing privacy over camera-based solutions. It's available now through the My Nintendo Store (US and Canada only, for a limited time) and at the Nintendo New York store.

Beyond the Alarmo, Nintendo has announced a Switch Online playtest. Applications open October 10th (8:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM ET) and close October 15th (7:59 AM PT / 10:59 AM ET), or earlier if the 10,000 participant limit is reached. This first-come, first-served opportunity is open to those with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, are at least 18 years old, and have a Nintendo Account registered in Japan, the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain. The playtest itself runs from October 23rd (6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET) to November 5th (4:59 PM PT / 7:59 PM ET). The nature of the playtest remains shrouded in mystery, adding to the excitement.