Nintendo’s Alarmo: A Cute and Cozy Alarm Clock with Some Limitations

For most of us, alarm clocks are devices we love to hate. They interrupt our precious sleep and are designed to get us up with the least amount of joy possible. But Nintendo has introduced a twist on this with Alarmo, a new (₹8,200) alarm clock that aims to make waking up a bit more fun and cozy. Instead of the usual blaring alarm tones, you could be woken up by Princess Zelda’s soothing voice or the chirps of tiny Pikmin.

But after spending a week with Alarmo, I’ve realized that while it brings some clever and nostalgic ideas, at the end of the day, it’s still just an alarm clock — albeit a very cute one.

A Nintendo-Inspired Design

One thing you can’t deny is that Alarmo looks great. It’s a small, red cylinder with a white button on top and a 2.8-inch LCD display that feels more like a mini Nintendo console than a sleep accessory. You can customize the clock’s face with one of five different games — Breath of the Wild, Ring Fit Adventure, Super Mario Odyssey, Pikmin 4, or Splatoon 3 — making it a fun addition to any gamer’s bedside table.

When you move in front of the clock, the characters on screen follow you, adding an extra layer of charm. It’s these little touches that make Alarmo more than just a functional device; it’s a small piece of Nintendo magic to greet you in the morning.

Fun Alarm Features, but Not Without Flaws

The standout feature of Alarmo is its playful take on waking you up. Instead of a typical annoying beep, you can choose from 35 Nintendo-themed alarm sounds, ranging from Zelda softly telling you to “wake up” to the sound of a Pikmin drowning (for some reason). Each sound starts out gentle and progressively gets more intense the longer you stay in bed.

The clock also tracks your sleep patterns, including how long it takes for you to wake up after the alarm goes off. However, the information stays on the device — there’s no app syncing or advanced data integration like with a smart device or fitness tracker.

Motion Sensor Gimmick

One of Alarmo’s big selling points is its millimeter-wave motion sensor, which allows you to interact with the alarm by simply moving. For example, rolling out of bed will turn the alarm off, and waving your hand will snooze it. In theory, this sounds great — no more fumbling for buttons while half asleep. However, the motion sensor has one major flaw: it can’t distinguish between different people.

If you share a bed and you get up while your partner is still sleeping, Alarmo won’t know the difference and could shut off the alarm prematurely. This can be a major issue for shared spaces, as I found myself having to turn the alarm off manually to avoid waking my partner with loud Splatoon sound effects.

Soothing Bedtime Sounds – for 10 Minutes

Alarmo also tries to help you fall asleep with soothing sounds tied to your chosen game. For example, if you love Zelda, the clock will play a calming nighttime theme with soft piano and crackling fire sounds when you get into bed. It’s like drifting off in Hyrule Field at night — a wonderfully immersive experience.

However, this feature is limited by a frustrating quirk: the sounds only play for less than 10 minutes. So, if you need longer ambient noise to help you drift off, Alarmo won’t be able to sustain the peaceful atmosphere for long. For a device this charming, that’s a real letdown.

Is It Worth ₹8,200?

At ₹8,200, Alarmo is more expensive than most standard alarm clocks. The Nintendo branding, playful aesthetics, and fun alarm features certainly justify part of the cost for die-hard fans. However, for those looking for practical benefits like advanced sleep tracking or better alarm functionality, Alarmo might feel a bit underwhelming.

For kids or Nintendo enthusiasts who want a fun and nostalgic way to wake up, this could be a perfect gift. But for the average person, even adorable Pikmin and Inklings aren’t enough to make this alarm clock a true game-changer.

Final Thoughts

Alarmo is undeniably charming and brings some unique features to the table with its Nintendo flair. It offers a more playful and cozy way to wake up, especially for fans of the iconic game titles. But for the hefty price, its limitations — especially the motion sensor and brief sleep sounds — make it more of a novelty item than a must-have gadget.

If you’re a Nintendo fan who’s looking for a fun way to start the day, Alarmo will bring a smile to your face. But if you’re seeking a device that will significantly improve your sleep routine, you might want to stick with your phone’s alarm.