Shoppers Rush for Must-Have Nintendo and Pokémon Games in 1999

On November 26, 1999, stores across the United States experienced a surge of shoppers eager to purchase the latest video games and consoles. Enthusiastic parents and children alike flooded retailers in search of Nintendo 64 systems, Game Boy Color games, and popular titles featuring Pokémon. The day, known as Black Friday, marked the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, and retailers anticipated a significant boost in sales.

In Fargo, North Dakota, the aisles of Best Buy were filled with families navigating the bustling store. Among them was 6-year-old Damien Keith, who animatedly engaged with a nine-screen display while playing Mario Party. “How do you choke them?” he asked a nearby shopper, referring to his in-game antics. His friend, David Franklin, joined him in the excitement, seemingly unfazed by the chaos surrounding them.

Meanwhile, Mark Pieterick and his three sons scoured the shelves for the latest games. “Hey, look here, Space Invaders,” he said, pointing out classic titles that had captured his interest. His son, Joey, gravitated towards more contemporary offerings like Wrestlemania 2000. Pieterick, who resides in Moorhead, noted that his children average two hours of gaming each day. “I hate to admit that, but it’s true,” he said, reflecting on their gaming habits.

Families visiting Fargo were also on the hunt for holiday gifts. Jeff Hanna from Bismarck navigated the electronics aisle with his daughter, Patricia, and son, R.J., searching for a birthday present for their absent son, Tyler. “We’re looking for a birthday present, but we’re also getting some Christmas ideas while we’re here,” Hanna said with a smile. He noted the high demand for anything related to Pokémon, which was a hot commodity that season.

Retailers confirmed the popularity of Pokémon games. A sales associate at Toys R Us, Joe Gorman, reported, “We’re selling a lot of the original Game Boys and the Game Boy Color, but most of the sales have involved Pokémon.” Titles like Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, and Pokémon Pinball were among the best sellers, with Gorman estimating a significant volume of sales that day.

In addition to Nintendo offerings, Sony PlayStation games were also flying off the shelves. A sales associate at Kay-Bee Toy and Hobby Shop highlighted top titles such as James Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies and NFL Game Day 2000. “These games are hits for kids and adults alike,” she stated, emphasizing their broad appeal.

As the day progressed, the excitement continued to build. Both Keith and Franklin expressed their aspirations of expanding their gaming skills, eagerly asking Santa Claus for a new Sega Dreamcast. “Yup, I was good,” Keith assured, confident in his chances of receiving the gaming console.

The day after Thanksgiving in 1999 was a vivid illustration of the gaming culture that had taken hold of families across the nation. As stores filled with eager shoppers, the demand for the latest gaming technology was unmistakable, setting the tone for a competitive holiday shopping season.