Nintendo Alarmo review: Charming, yet frustrating

Alarmo is a Nintendo-themed alarm clock that combines fun and quirky features with some usability issues. The device has a motion sensor and can play sounds from various Nintendo games, including The Legend of Zelda and Mario. However, inputting Wi-Fi passwords can be frustrating due to the lack of a keyboard, requiring users to spin the top button to select characters. Alarmo's design is reminiscent of Nintendo's style, with a round, red case and a prominent control knob that glows. The device has a 2.8-inch screen and loud speakers that can fill a large bedroom with sound. Controlling Alarmo is relatively simple, with users able to twist and push the knob or use the back button to return to the previous screen. As an alarm clock, Alarmo works well, waking users with gentle sounds that escalate in volume if they don't get out of bed. The device also responds to users getting out of bed with a celebratory sound. However, the sleep-tracking feature is limited and can be affected by external factors, such as pets sleeping on the bed. One issue with Alarmo is its motion sensing technology, which is only designed for single sleepers. Users can switch to "Button mode" if they share a bed with someone else, but this can be inconvenient. Setting up Alarmo is relatively straightforward, but users need to purchase a separate USB power adapter, which is not included in the box. The onboarding process is simple, but users may experience delays when testing the motion sensing feature. Connecting to Wi-Fi is also frustrating, requiring users to input their password using the top button. Nintendo could improve the experience by adding a keyboard or using QR codes to simplify logins. Overall, Alarmo is a unique device that will appeal to Nintendo fans, but its high price and limited features may not justify the cost for everyone. The device could become more compelling if Nintendo adds more themes and drives down the price.