Nintendo’s latest gadget is not a new Switch model, but an alarm clock with a 2.8″ color LCD screen and various sensors, available for €99. The device features Nintendo-themed characters and mini-games, sparking curiosity among enthusiasts like Gary.
Upon receiving his Alarmo, Gary discovered that the device had been reverse-engineered by others, revealing its MCU and firmware details. The main firmware was dumped from the eMMC IC without issues, allowing Gary to decrypt it. However, the Secure Access Mode locks down the MCU, preventing further firmware dumping.
Fortunately, the USB route provides an arbitrary firmware loading method, which has created a backdoor around the read-only protection (RDP). Firmware updates have not closed this loophole yet, making reverse-engineering possible for now. Gary’s GitHub project is available for those who wish to hack their Alarmo and add custom features, including feline charm.
The device’s capabilities and potential for modification have sparked debate among users. While some are curious about the possibilities, others are concerned about potential security risks or waiting for official support before making any modifications.
Source: https://hackaday.com/2024/10/30/tearing-down-nintendos-alarmo-alarm-clock