In a testament to the enduring “Can it run DOOM?” meme, engineer GaryOderNichts has successfully executed the classic 1993 game on Nintendo’s Alarmo alarm clock. By developing custom firmware and utilizing the device’s USB-C port, Gary transformed the Alarmo into an unconventional gaming platform without internal modifications. This achievement adds to the extensive list of unexpected devices capable of running DOOM, highlighting the game’s adaptability and the creativity of tech enthusiasts.
After my last post, it was pretty clear what everyone wanted to see on the Alarmo. So, here it is – Doom running on the Nintendo Alarmo! pic.twitter.com/WimckYPnXZ
— Gary (@GaryOderNichts) November 2, 2024
Alarmo, introduced by Nintendo in October 2024, is an interactive alarm clock that utilizes motion sensors and features sounds from popular Nintendo franchises such as Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Priced at $99.99, it offers a unique wake-up experience by integrating gaming elements into daily routines.
While the current setup lacks audio support and requires compressed game files due to memory constraints, this accomplishment underscores the adaptability of Alarmo’s hardware. Gary has made the necessary software and instructions available on GitHub, enabling other enthusiasts to replicate the modification.
The enduring challenge of running DOOM on unconventional devices has led to numerous inventive adaptations:
- Kodak Digital Camera: In 1998, enthusiasts successfully ran DOOM on a Kodak DC260 digital camera, utilizing its processing capabilities to play the game on the camera’s small display (Escapist Magazine).
- Canon Printer: A security specialist demonstrated DOOM running on a Canon Proxima printer by exploiting firmware vulnerabilities, highlighting potential security risks in connected devices (PC Gamer).
- Magellan RoadMate GPS: A programmer managed to run DOOM on a Magellan RoadMate GPS system, showcasing the device’s versatility beyond navigation (CBR).
- LEGO Brick: Graphics engineer James Brown embedded a functional computer inside a LEGO brick capable of running DOOM, merging classic gaming with iconic toy design (The Verge).
These creative endeavors underscore the adaptability of DOOM’s code and the ingenuity of the tech community in pushing the boundaries of gaming platforms.
