Hacker GaryOderNicht has figured out how to run custom firmware on the Alarmo, as demonstrated in a video posted on Mastodon and their X account. The video showcases gameplay involving the manipulation of the Alarmo’s controls, using the mushroom-shaped top for movement and its buttons for actions such as shooting or opening doors.
Gary claimed it is feasible to load the shareware version of Doom directly from a USB, without modifying the Alarmo’s internal components. They have made the necessary software and instructions available on GitHub, enabling knowledgeable and determined Alarmo owners to replicate the process without having to open the device.
In a blog post, Gary detailed the method used to achieve this, which followed another hacker, Spinda, who utilized a Flipper Zero to hack the Alarmo and dump its firmware. Gary then developed a process to utilize a USB mode via the USB-C port to direct the Alarmo to custom external firmware.
The relative ease of executing Gary’s method suggests that modding Alarmo software may not be limited to just Doom. However, the extent to which the device might be transformed into an unconventional game console largely depends on Nintendo’s response. The company has been notably active in protecting its intellectual property, as reflected in recent legal actions regarding emulation and copyright issues.
