The latest Nintendo Alarmo update doesn't do much to scrub away my buyer's remorse

The Nintendo Alarmo sound clock
(Image credit: Nintendo)
  • Nintendo Alarmo's latest firmware update is live now
  • It features a handful of scenes from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
  • Alarmo owners can download the update now if they've connected the device to the internet

The Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo might just be the most bizarre piece of gaming hardware released this year, yet as promised by Nintendo at launch, it's just received another sizeable update.

This latest Nintendo Alarmo update brings Mario Kart 8 Deluxe scenes to the alarm clock device. As shared by the Nintendo of America X / Twitter account, Alarmo owners can now update their clock to the latest version (should they have painstakingly entered their Wi-Fi password via the clunky dial on top of the device) to receive the new scenes.

The Nintendo Alarmo update adds seven unique Mario Kart 8 Deluxe scenes all featuring music and imagery from the Nintendo Switch's best-selling game. Honestly, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a pretty great choice for the Alarmo, with its upbeat jazz soundtrack certainly having the potential to make me into more of a morning person.

Otherwise, not much has changed with the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo. It's still a very expensive alarm clock that undoubtedly has that Nintendo-esque polish and quirkiness. But ultimately, it's still just a very extravagant way of waking you up at the crack of dawn when - perhaps rather cynically - you could just get your phone to do that instead.

Hopefully, Alarmo will get some more meaningful updates in the future to make a purchase more enticing. Perhaps integration with the recently-launched Nintendo Music mobile app, or even some kind of Nintendo Switch 2 support once that console arrives sometime next year.

You might also like...

Rhys Wood
Hardware Editor

Rhys is TRG's Hardware Editor, and has been part of the TechRadar team for more than two years. Particularly passionate about high-quality third-party controllers and headsets, as well as the latest and greatest in fight sticks and VR, Rhys strives to provide easy-to-read, informative coverage on gaming hardware of all kinds. As for the games themselves, Rhys is especially keen on fighting and racing games, as well as soulslikes and RPGs.

Read more
Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo
The Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo is coming to participating retailers in March 2025, no Switch Online membership required
Nintendo Switch 2
From a new Mario Kart to mouse-like controls, these are my six biggest takeaways from the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal
Nintendo Switch 2
I've analyzed every frame of the new Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart game footage, here's everything I found
Lego Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart set on a shelf.
Lego just celebrated Mario Day in the best way possible, with an incredible Mario Kart set that's up for preorder now
Super Mario Odyssey played on a Nintendo Switch in portable mode
Nintendo's 2024 in review: Even more exclusives but still no Switch 2 to play them on
Nintendo Switch 2
I just watched the Nintendo Switch 2 trailer and hold on... is that a new Mario Kart?
Latest in Gaming
Metroid Prime 4
I reckon the Nintendo Switch 2 could launch with Metroid Prime 4 – here’s why
Don't miss discounts on EA College Football 25.
I can't believe how cheap EA Sports College Football 25 is at Best Buy right now
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 expected to have AI upscaling and I can't wait to finally play Tears of the Kingdom with upgraded graphics
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Tuesday, March 18 (game #646)
Seagate's new Genshin Impact Limited Edition SSD on a desk.
I didn't know an SSD could be cute until I saw Seagate's new Genshin Impact limited edition
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic
Knights of the Old Republic remake developer Saber Interactive states all its projects are 'still in development'
Latest in News
Metroid Prime 4
I reckon the Nintendo Switch 2 could launch with Metroid Prime 4 – here’s why
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
New rumors predict a foldable iPhone will launch next year – and cost almost twice as much as the iPhone 16 Pro Max
Pebble smartwatch countdown
Pebble confirms its smartwatch announcement is just hours away
Logo of YouTube Shorts
Is YouTube auto-playing Shorts when you open the app? Well, you’re not alone - here’s how to fix it
Google DeepMind panel discussion
“More sovereignty and protection” - Google goes all-in on UK AI with data residency, upskilling projects, and startup investments
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 expected to have AI upscaling and I can't wait to finally play Tears of the Kingdom with upgraded graphics