Thursday, 3 April 2025
29.9 C
Singapore
37.2 C
Thailand
22.3 C
Indonesia
28.4 C
Philippines

Nintendo’s Alarmo alarm clock now plays Doom, thanks to a clever hack

Nintendo's Alarmo alarm clock now runs Doom, thanks to a hacker's custom firmware that requires no device modification. Learn how it’s done here.

Seeing what creative minds can accomplish with everyday tech is always intriguing. From John Deere tractors to Ikea smart bulbs and even the MacBook Pro Touch Bar, an impressive array of unlikely devices has run the classic game Doom. Now, Nintendo’s lovable Alarmo alarm clock joins this unique club. If you’re wondering how a simple alarm clock got in on the gaming action, here’s the story behind it.

Hacker brings Doom to the Alarmo alarm clock

It was only a matter of time before Doom found its way onto the Alarmo, Nintendo’s mushroom-shaped clock. Hacker GaryOberNicht made it happen in a video posted to Mastodon and their X (formerly Twitter) account, showing the Alarmo clock doing much more than keeping time. They managed to run the game, and it’s fully playable. Using the top mushroom-like button to navigate and other controls to shoot or open doors, Gary’s demonstration takes Alarmo from an alarm clock to a retro game console.

Gary explained that they achieved this without modifying the hardware. According to them, it’s possible to load the shareware version of Doom directly from a USB drive, so there’s no need to open up the device or fiddle with its internals. Gary also made the software and instructions available on GitHub, a significant boost for gaming fans. Almost any Alarmo owner can turn their clock into a mini Doom machine with the right know-how.

Unlocking the Alarmo’s potential with custom firmware

The journey to bring Doom to the Alarmo clock is fascinating. Gary’s project builds on previous efforts by another tinkerer, Spinda, who initially hacked the Alarmo using a Flipper Zero device. By extracting the firmware, Spinda paved the way for customisation, which Gary then used to run Doom on the Alarmo. They did this by utilising the USB-C port, cleverly creating a way for the Alarmo to load external firmware without altering the original software.

In a blog post, Gary detailed the process, explaining that they enabled a USB mode on the clock to direct it to external firmware stored on a USB drive. This method means that almost anyone with a USB-C connection can replicate the setup, making it surprisingly accessible for tech enthusiasts who want to try running games on non-traditional platforms.

What’s especially interesting is how Gary has simplified the process for other Alarmo owners, offering step-by-step instructions and open-source code. This openness allows for a broader range of people to explore the possibilities with Alarmo, and it wouldn’t be surprising if this mod sparks a wave of other creative Alarmo hacks.

What’s next for Alarmo gaming?

This hack represents a playful look at how technology can be repurposed, but there’s also the potential for further experimentation within the community. Gary’s successful run of Doom on Alarmo might be the beginning. With the door open to custom firmware, others may follow suit, finding new ways to bring games and other software to the clock. However, the extent to which this might develop could depend on Nintendo’s stance. Known for its strict copyright enforcement, Nintendo may not be too pleased with Alarmo becoming a mini-game console. Still, for now, the project stands as an exciting example of creative ingenuity.

Gary’s hack shows how even simple gadgets can be transformed surprisingly, pushing the limits of what’s possible. With the instructions and software freely available online, Alarmo owners now have the opportunity to join in and bring a slice of classic gaming to their bedside table. The hack has already drawn the attention of tech fans across the web, and if Nintendo doesn’t intervene, this could be the start of an unexpected Alarmo gaming community.

Hot this week

Exabeam introduces Nova, an agentic AI that boosts cybersecurity operations

Exabeam unveils Nova, a proactive AI agent that boosts security team productivity and reduces incident investigation time by over 50%.

Roblox introduces new parental controls to enhance child safety

Roblox introduces new parental controls, allowing parents to block games, restrict friends, and monitor their child’s activity for better safety.

Apple Intelligence now supports English (Singapore) with the latest update

Apple’s latest update brings Apple Intelligence support for English (Singapore), making AI features more accessible without needing US English settings.

Intel remains on course for next-gen CPUs

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan confirms that next-gen CPUs, including Panther Lake and Nova Lake, remain on track, with Panther Lake arriving in 2025.

New AI features coming to Final Cut Pro

Apple updates Final Cut Pro with AI-powered tools, Image Playground, and new features for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, enhancing video editing workflows.

YouTube expands shopping affiliate programme in Singapore through Shopee partnership

YouTube teams up with Shopee to launch its Shopping affiliate programme in Singapore, giving creators new ways to monetise their content.

Misconceptions about STEM careers continue to deter young women in Singapore

New research shows stereotypes and lack of support are deterring young women from STEM careers, posing a risk to Singapore’s innovation goals.

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK to help Hong Kong brands expand into Southeast Asia

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK, helping Hong Kong SMEs tap into Southeast Asia's booming US$600 billion e-commerce market.

Informatica introduces new AI features to boost cloud data integration and management

Informatica adds AI tools to simplify data integration and improve enterprise access to AI-ready data across its cloud platform.

Related Articles