Nintendo has taken the gaming world by surprise with the announcement of Alarmo, a motion-controlled alarm clock that wakes users up to iconic sounds from the Zelda and Super Mario franchises. The $99 device, officially known as the "Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo," is now available for purchase in "early access" for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers and at the Nintendo NY store.

The Alarmo clock responds to users' movements, allowing them to snooze their alarm with a simple gesture or stop it by getting out of bed. Its faces feature beloved Nintendo characters, and users can set the alarm to wake them up with music from their favorite franchises. Additionally, the Alarmo tracks users' movements during sleep, providing a unique feature that sets it apart from traditional alarm clocks.

The device's design is a departure from Nintendo's typical gaming hardware, with a round, eye-catching red body that has already captured the attention of fans. In an "Ask the Developer" interview, Nintendo revealed that the company experimented with different prototypes during the development process, including a more boxy shape and a dot matrix LED display. However, the final design was chosen to better communicate the product's new features, such as the motion sensor.

Interestingly, the idea for Alarmo dates back to 2014, when Nintendo's CEO Satoru Iwata revealed the concept in an investor briefing. Although the project may have been put on hold, Nintendo confirmed that its development took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Alarmo has already sparked creativity in the gaming community, with one hacker successfully running Doom on the device. This has opened up possibilities for further modifications and customizations, which could extend the Alarmo's functionality beyond its original design.

Nintendo's decision to release Alarmo has raised questions about the company's strategy and priorities. While fans continue to wait for news on the next Switch console, Alarmo's release suggests that Nintendo is exploring new avenues and experimenting with innovative products that deviate from its traditional gaming focus.

As the Alarmo becomes available to the wider public in March, it will be interesting to see how users respond to this unique device. With its playful features and nostalgic value, Alarmo has the potential to become a beloved addition to many gamers' daily routines.