Video game & console maker
Founded in 1889 producing playing cards, Nintendo entered the video game market in 1977, and became globally recognised with the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985. Today they are one of the 3 big computer game console makers, and own several gaming franchises including Mario, Donkey Kong, Kirby, Zelda and Super Smash Bros. One of Japan's most valuable companies, with subsidiaries around the world.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Jul 2024)
Praise
Criticism
Information
Nintendo Co Ltd
Praise
Information
Criticism
11/100 in KnowTheChain Benchmark
In 2022 KnowTheChain benchmarked 60 information, communications and technology (ICT) companies on their efforts to identify and tackle forced labour risks in their supply chains. This company received a score of 11/100. The average score was 20/100 and the highest score was 63.
Source: KnowTheChain
(2022)
Forced labour in China
The Chinese government has facilitated the mass transfer of Uyghur and other ethnic minority citizens from the far west region of Xinjiang to factories across the country. Under conditions that strongly suggest forced labour, Uyghurs are working in factories that are in the supply chains of at least 83 well-known global brands in the technology, clothing and automotive sectors, including brands owned by this company. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute's 2020 report estimates (somewhat conservatively) that more than 80,000 Uyghurs were transferred out of Xinjiang to work in factories across China between 2017 and 2019, and some of them were sent directly from detention camps.
Source: ASPI
(2020)
3.5/20 in Social Benchmark
The 2024 Social Benchmark assesses the world's 2,000 most influential companies on their responsibility in meeting society's fundamental expectations towards three measurement areas: respecting human rights, providing decent work, and acting ethically. This company was assessed in 2023 and received a score of 3.5/20. The average score was an alarmingly low 4.6/20 and the highest score was 15.5/20.
10.3% in Human Rights Benchmark
The 2022 Corporate Human Rights Benchmark assessed 127 companies in the food and agriculture, ICT and automotive manufacturing sectors on their human rights performance. This company received a score of 10.3%. The overall average score was a disappointing 17.3% and the highest score was 50.3%.
20/100 S&P Global ESG Score
This company received an S&P Global ESG Score of 20/100 in the Interactive Media Services & Home Entertainment category of the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, an annual evaluation of companies' sustainability practices (last updated 23 Sep 2022). The rankings are based on an analysis of corporate economic, environmental and social performance, assessing issues such as corporate governance, risk management, environmental reporting, climate strategy, human rights and labour practices.
Source: S&P Global
(2022)
26.1% in Digital Inclusion Benchmark
The 2023 Digital Inclusion Benchmark ranks 200 companies on their responsibility to advance a more inclusive digital society. The companies were assessed using four measurement areas: access, skills, use and innovation. This company ranked #117/200, with a total score of 26.1/100.
US recycling report card
The Electronics TakeBack Coalition's Recycling Report Card evaluates takeback and recycling programs for computer, TV, printer and game console companies. The report card focuses on the programs available to consumers in the US, and relies on publicly available information, as of Sept 2010. This company received a grade of D- for its recycling efforts in the USA.
Patent infringement
In 2013 this company was found by a federal court in New York to have infringed an inventor's 3-D display technology patent and awarded $30.2m in compensatory damages to the inventor.
Source: Reuters
(2013)
Anti-crunch stance
Nintendo delays games for two reasons: to fight against crunch and to ensure quality. Nintendo has a long history of delaying games to make sure they live up to fans' expectations. The company claims to makes sure that their employees have good work-life balance.
Source: IGN
(2019)
CSR claims
This company has Corporate Social Responsibility claims on its website, including the areas of environment, product recycling and community activities.
Source: company website
(2020)
CDP Climate Change score of C
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Climate Change score of C.
Source: CDP
(2023)
C- grade at Behind the Barcode
C- grade in the Baptist World Aid Australia's Behind the Barcode 'Ethical Electronics Guide 2016', which grades companies on their efforts to mitigate the risks of forced labour, child labour and worker exploitation throughout their supply chains. Assessment criteria fall into four main categories: policies, traceability & transparency, monitoring & training and worker rights. [Listed under Information due to age of report]
Modern Slavery statement
California, the UK and Australia have all enacted legislation requiring companies operating within their borders to disclose their efforts to eradicate modern slavery from their operations and supply chains. Follow the link to see this company's disclosure statement.
Source: company website
(2018)
Company Details
Type:
Public company
Revenue:
10.8 billion USD
(2019)
Employees:
6,200
(2020)
Subsidiaries:
Nintendo Australia Pty Ltd
Video game & console distributor
Handles the publishing, distribution, sales, and marketing of Nintendo products in Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania. Also distributes games for a few other Japanese video game companies.
Contact Details
Products / Brands
Nintendo Australia
Animal Crossing
Other Video Games
Donkey Kong
Classic Video Games
Donkey Kong
Platform Games
Fire Emblem
Action Games
Kirby
Platform Games
Mario
Classic Video Games
Mario Kart
Racing Games
Nintendo Switch
Gaming Consoles
Pokemon
Other Video Games
Splatoon
Other Video Games
Super Mario
Platform Games
The Legend of Zelda
Action-Adventure Games