On the second day of introducing Nintendo’s new alarm clock to my household, my girlfriend began to crack. As we woke up to the chaotic sounds of Splatoon 3, she turned to me in a morning daze and said, “I don’t like the Alarmo. It’s too aggressive.”
Part of being a video game writer sometimes involves subjecting your loved ones to quirky gadgets. That’s why when Nintendo introduced the Alarmo, I knew it would turn our mornings into a battlefield. Despite the challenges it presented, I embraced the opportunity to understand who the Alarmo and Nintendo’s creations are truly meant for.
Wake up, superstar
Nintendo surprised everyone with the Alarmo, an interactive alarm clock that uses Switch game sounds and a motion sensor to wake users up. Despite the initial confusion, the creative spirit of Nintendo shone through, and we decided to test it out for a week, not realizing the adventure we were about to embark on.
Setting up the Alarmo, we quickly realized it was more than just an alarm clock. It required us to physically engage with it to turn it off, making our mornings a unique challenge. Each day brought a new game sound, from Ring Fit Adventure to Splatoon, that jolted us out of bed in unexpected ways.
Cohabitating with the Alarmo
Our mornings with the Alarmo were filled with surprises, from intense game sounds to quirky motion sensor interactions. Each day was a new adventure, as we navigated through the challenges it presented. Despite the initial skepticism, we began to embrace the quirks of the Alarmo and its unique way of starting our day.
Embracing the audience
Halfway through our test week, I had to bring the Alarmo with me on a trip, giving my girlfriend a break from its morning antics. Setting it up in a familiar Cape Cod home made me realize who the Alarmo is truly meant for: kids. As I woke up to Pikmin sounds and reminisced about my childhood, I understood that Nintendo’s creations are designed to bring joy to audiences of all ages.
Reflecting on my relationship with Nintendo as an adult, I realized that while the Alarmo may not be a perfect fit for my current lifestyle, it serves as a reminder of the joy and nostalgia games bring. Passing the baton to the next generation, I decided to share the Alarmo with my niece, embracing the playful spirit it embodies.
