Nintendo’s newest hardware is an alarm clock, not the Switch 2

Nintendo has surprised fans with a new announcement, although it’s not the one they were expecting. In a move reminiscent of their Labo VR headset, the company will be launching an alarm clock that can track your sleep and determine when you’re still in bed.

The Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo will be priced at $100 when it hits the market in early 2025. Preorders are currently available for Nintendo Switch Online members in the U.S. and Canada. It’s expected to be sold at select retailers, but like other unique Nintendo products, it may be in limited supply.

The Alarmo stays true to Nintendo’s signature style with its round, bright red design and a large white button inspired by characters like Mario. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, it features a motion sensor that can detect whether you’re in bed or moving around. Instead of silencing the alarm with a snooze button, it will only stop once you get out of bed (though there is a classic mode for those who prefer the traditional button at the top). There’s even a mode where the alarm gets louder the longer you stay in bed, providing an extra push to start your day.

The sensors are sensitive enough to detect subtle movements, allowing the clock to provide a detailed report, known as a “Record,” on your sleep patterns.

In an Ask the Developer interview, Alarmo producer Yosuke Tamori revealed that the project stemmed from existing technology that Nintendo had been exploring. The privacy-conscious sensor seemed ideal for bedroom use, leading to the development of the alarm clock concept.

While it took some time for the technology to advance to the point of detecting small movements in bed, the team eventually succeeded in identifying when a person is in bed, giving rise to the idea of the alarm clock.

The interview also showcased some early prototypes, including one resembling a boxy Amazon Echo and another resembling a large blue watch face. The team considered other concepts, like hand gestures, but ultimately decided against them.

True to Nintendo’s style, the Alarmo can be customized with 35 “scenes” and music from popular games like Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Splatoon 3, Pikmin 4, and even Ring Fit Adventure.