The video gaming community is getting onboard with Japan relief efforts. Game Informer’s Megan Marie decided to auction off her prized Nintendo DS, signed by some of the biggest names in the gaming community. Prominent gaming site IGN is also getting involved by organizing an all day fundraiser on March 18.

The Nintendo DS auctioned by Marie has reportedly reached a price of $1,750, and features signatures by Shigeru Miyamoto, Koji Kondo, Charles Martinet, Eiji Aonuma, and Martin Leung.

“Growing up geek and making a career out of my passion for video games, Japan has always been a cultural hub for everything I love. Not to mention the people are fantastically hard working, respectful and full of life,” Marie told AOL News.

On its end, gaming universe Eve Online is allowing players to donate money using in-game currency which the company will cash out and donate to support the victims, adds AOL News.

In an all day event on March 18, IGN will be hosting a fundraiser in which 24 Japanese games will be played by IGN staff during 24 hours. Gamers can donate any amount they would like “to help the people of Japan get back on their feet.”

“This is a disaster on a huge scale, and we didn’t want to sit idly by while hundreds of thousands of people were homeless and suffering,” IGN editor Cam Shea told AOL News. “The staff at IGN have a deep affiliation with Japan and Japanese culture, and so do a large percentage of our readers. Why not leverage the passion of the staff and our audience and play a small part in helping the country recover?”

Shea added, “Japan has made immeasurable contributions to gaming, from revitalizing the industry after the collapse in 1984, to creating some of the most enduring characters and series…The face of modern video games would be unrecognizable without Japanese designers and companies.” In addition to individuals, Japanese gaming giants such as Sony, Konami, Nintendo and Sega have all pledged 100 million yen ($1.286 million)

Video game fans who want to make direct donations to help with Japanese relief efforts can also do so through sites such as Amazon which links directly to the American Red Cross.