On November 26, 1999, shoppers descended on stores across the United States, driven by the excitement of the holiday shopping season and a quest for popular video games. Families sought out Nintendo 64 consoles, Game Boy Colors, and Pokémon merchandise, as these items topped many wish lists.
The scene in Fargo, North Dakota, was particularly bustling. At Best Buy, the aisles were packed with eager shoppers. Among them was six-year-old Damien Keith, who was fully immersed in a game of Mario Party. Surrounded by a wall of screens, he exclaimed about his gaming strategy, demonstrating the infectious enthusiasm that characterized the day. The holiday shopping rush had transformed the store into a lively arena, filled with the sounds of cash registers and the chatter of excited customers.
Finding the perfect gift was top of mind for many, including Mark Pieterick, who was there with his sons, Jason, Justin, and Joey. As they sifted through the Game Boy Color games, Pieterick highlighted the allure of classic titles like Space Invaders. “I’m always trying to get them interested in the old ones,” he noted, revealing his effort to share his own gaming nostalgia with his children. The boys, averaging two hours of gameplay each day, were keen on modern titles as well.
Meanwhile, Jeff Hanna was navigating the electronics section of Toys R Us with his children, Patricia and R.J. They were on a dual mission—seeking a birthday gift for a relative and browsing for Christmas ideas. “Anything Pokémon-related is in demand,” Hanna said, acknowledging the phenomenon that had gripped young gamers. This sentiment was echoed by Joe Gorman, a sales associate at Toys R Us, who confirmed that Pokémon items were flying off the shelves. “Most of the sales have involved Pokémon,” he stated, highlighting the popularity of the franchise.
The demand for games was reflected in the sales figures. Popular titles included the blue, red, and yellow versions of Pokémon, as well as Pokémon Pinball and various Nintendo 64 games like Donkey Kong. Gorman estimated the store sold “definitely a ton” of Pokémon games that day, suggesting a burgeoning trend in the gaming market.
As for the competition, Sony PlayStation games were also experiencing significant sales. Titles such as James Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies, NFL Game Day 2000, and the recently launched X-Files game were in high demand at Kay-Bee Toy and Hobby Shop in West Acres Mall, appealing to both kids and adults. A shop associate remarked on the widespread enjoyment of these games, saying, “You have to play.”
The excitement of the day was not lost on the younger generation either. Damien Keith and his friend, David Franklin, expressed their desire to enhance their gaming skills over the holiday, with both boys eagerly awaiting a new Sega Dreamcast from Santa Claus. “I was good,” Keith confidently declared, his anticipation for the festive season palpable.
As the sun set on this bustling shopping day, it was clear that the video game industry was not just thriving; it was becoming a central part of holiday traditions for families across the country. The surge in interest for consoles and games marked a significant moment in consumer culture, reflecting both the joy of gaming and the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
