It seems that no device is safe from the ubiquitous presence of Doom. From calculators and ATMs to pregnancy tests and even tractors, the 1993 classic has been ported to an astonishing array of devices. Now, the Nintendo Alarmo joins this eclectic list, proving once again that Doom can run on practically anything with a screen.
GaryOderNichts’s achievement is particularly impressive given the Alarmo’s unconventional control scheme. The video demonstrates Doom being played using the Alarmo’s dial as the primary input device. Rotating the dial counter-clockwise moves the player left, while rotating it clockwise moves them right. The Alarmo’s other buttons are used for shooting and other in-game actions.
While the gameplay appears far from smooth, the fact that Doom is running on an alarm clock at all is a testament to the ingenuity and persistence of the gaming community. It also highlights the enduring appeal of Doom, a game that continues to captivate and challenge players nearly three decades after its release.
Digging Deeper into the How
For those interested in the technical details, GaryOderNichts shared insights into the process on their blog. The Alarmo has limited USB functionality, which was used to load the Doom software. However, due to memory constraints, the game files (.wad) needed to be compressed and then decompressed onto the Alarmo’s external memory during boot-up. Currently, there is no audio support, so players will have to imagine the iconic soundtrack while battling demons on their alarm clock.
This isn’t the first time Doom has been ported to an unconventional device in recent months. Earlier this year, a developer managed to get Doom running on the Balatro, a popular handheld gaming device. However, the Alarmo port is arguably more impressive due to the device’s limited hardware and unique controls.
The Nintendo Alarmo: A Quirky Clock with Unexpected Potential
Nintendo’s decision to release an alarm clock might seem odd, but it’s in line with the company’s history of experimenting with niche products. While fans eagerly await news of the Nintendo Switch 2, the company has been busy exploring other avenues, such as the release of a dedicated music app. The Alarmo, with its charming Nintendo-themed sounds and music, is another example of Nintendo’s willingness to think outside the box.
While the Alarmo may not be the groundbreaking hardware many were hoping for, it has certainly captured the attention of the gaming community. And now, thanks to GaryOderNichts, it has also become the latest device to join the long and illustrious list of Doom-compatible hardware.
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