Nintendo Switch gaming brings cheer to children in earthquake evacuation center
An X user recently shed light on the current situation in an evacuation center after the devasting earthquake that hit Japan on January 1. The user revealed that children in the center could play Nintendo Switch together, thanks to the local electricity provider.
On New Year’s Day, a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit Ishikawa Prefecture. The Noto Peninsula was the most heavily affected area, with the earthquake and resulting fires and tsunami causing widespread destruction. The number of casualties continues to rise, and many people are living in evacuation centers.
When the earthquake hit, many children were likely enjoying their New Year’s break from school with their families. Those now living in evacuation centers may have family members, friends or pets who are missing or have died in the disaster.
One X user recently posted an uplifting photo of life in an evacuation center, showing children gathered around a projector playing Nintendo Switch. In a longer series of posts, the user explained what has happened to them since the disaster, recounting how they gathered information from around the town and detailing when relief supplies arrived. In the poster’s case, they were able to bring items from their home to the evacuation center. On the fifth day after the quake, they brought their Nintendo Switch to the center and borrowed a projector so that they could hold a Super Smash Bros. tournament for the children.
The user added that everyone is following the rules established in the evacuation center. Ishikawa prefecture has been experiencing aftershocks, so everyone must stay close to an exit and make sure the corridors are clear. People must also keep their voices and the volume down so as not to disturb others. The same poster also thanked the Chubu Electric Power company for providing the electricity to make gaming possible.
The original post of children playing Switch in the evacuation center was met with an outpouring of sympathy and support from other X users, as well as praise for the efforts of the poster.
Whether it’s by bringing in a Switch and borrowing a projector for a games tournament or by playing ball games with children in the gym.
The same can be said for those who alert others that it’s time to evacuate, you can tell that they are good people.
We also hope that playing Switch games together can offer these children a brief escape from reality and a chance to have some much-needed fun.
