Nintendo Direct Delayed Following Hokkaido Earthquake: Official Statement and Community Response

Nintendo Direct Delayed Following Hokkaido Earthquake: Official Statement and Community Response In a significant move impacting both the Japanese gaming industry and international fans, Nintendo has announced the postponement of its scheduled Nintendo Direct presentation due to a devastating earthquake in Hokkaido, Japan.

This livestream event was anticipated to reveal new developments for the Nintendo Switch, updates for the Nintendo eShop, and upcoming game releases.

However, the company opted for a delay in light of the disaster, underscoring its commitment to the welfare of the affected region and its own team members. The earthquake, which struck in the early hours of September 6, 2018, registered a magnitude of 6.7 and caused widespread destruction across Hokkaido.

Reports confirmed that the quake triggered landslides, buried homes, disrupted power for millions, and, tragically, resulted in at least eight deaths.

The natural disaster follows a series of challenging weather events in Japan, including a severe typhoon earlier in the week that notably damaged the company’s Kyoto headquarters by dislodging the iconic "N" from the Nintendo logo. Following the disaster, Nintendo of America released an official statement via Twitter, expressing: "Due to the powerful earthquake in Hokkaido, Japan, we have decided to delay this week’s planned Nintendo Direct.

We will provide a new time and date in the near future.

Thank you for your understanding." This announcement, made shortly after midnight PST, received wide support and empathy from the global gaming community, as many offered condolences and well wishes to those impacted by the events in Japan. The Nintendo Direct platform has become a significant conduit for the company to announce first-party titles, third-party partnerships, and key updates regarding upcoming Nintendo Switch releases.

The delay reflects Nintendo’s sensitivity to current events and its prioritization of safety and recovery over business operations.

"We appreciate the understanding and support from our fans worldwide," Nintendo’s message emphasized, as the company directs resources and attention to recovery efforts in Hokkaido. Since its inception, Nintendo Direct has served as a central hub for updates that often lead to substantial engagement in the Nintendo eShop and spur interest in both new and existing franchises.

While the rescheduling leaves fans in anticipation, the overwhelming consensus supports the company’s decision.

Official updates regarding the new date and time for the Nintendo Direct presentation will be communicated through Nintendo’s official channels, including its website and social media platforms. For now, the gaming community stands in solidarity with those affected by the Hokkaido earthquake, and many await further news from Nintendo, both in terms of disaster relief and their next slate of game and hardware announcements.

Nintendo Direct Nintendo Switch Nintendo Hokkaido earthquake Nintendo of America Kyoto