Nintendo has announced it will provide free repairs for its products that were damaged in the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Kumamoto, Japan, on July 28th. This offer extends to customers in areas designated under the Disaster Relief Act and is valid for repair requests made up to February 1, 2027. The company expressed its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the earthquake, which has resulted in dozens of deaths and widespread destruction.
In addition to the repair service, Nintendo is contributing 50 million yen (approximately $300,000 USD) to the Japanese Red Cross Society to aid disaster relief efforts. This contribution follows similar donations from other major companies, including The Pokémon Company, which pledged 100 million yen, and Sony, which contributed 50 million yen.
The Kumamoto earthquake has displaced thousands, with an estimated 700 homes destroyed and an additional 12,000 damaged. Many residents are also facing significant infrastructure challenges, including a lack of running water. The recovery process is further complicated by extreme summer heat, which poses additional health risks to the affected population, and the ongoing concern of aftershocks.