Shoppers Flock to Stores for Nintendo 64s and Pokémon Games

On December 3, 1999, shoppers across the United States descended on retail stores, eager to purchase highly sought-after video game consoles and titles. With the holiday shopping season officially underway, popular items included the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, and a variety of Pokémon games, captivating the attention of children and parents alike.

The day following Thanksgiving, often referred to as Black Friday, saw families navigating crowded aisles filled with festive shoppers. In Fargo, North Dakota, Damien Keith, a six-year-old boy, showcased his gaming prowess on a nine-screen display featuring Mario Party. While maneuvering through the throngs of buyers, he was joined by his friend David Franklin, demonstrating a shared enthusiasm for video games amidst the bustling atmosphere.

Among the many shoppers was Mark Pieterick from Moorhead, who, alongside his three sons—Jason, Justin, and Joey—explored the extensive selection of Nintendo games. “Hey, look here, Space Invaders,” he exclaimed, pointing to a classic title. Pieterick expressed a desire to introduce his children to vintage games, noting, “I’m always trying to get them interested in the old ones – Space Invaders, Breakout, the original Mario.”

In another part of Fargo, Jeff Hanna, a resident of Bismarck, was on a dual mission with his daughter Patricia and son R.J. They were searching for a birthday gift for a family member while simultaneously scouting ideas for Christmas. Hanna remarked, “Anything Pokémon-related is in demand,” highlighting the game’s immense popularity this season.

Sales associates confirmed the high demand for Pokémon products. Joe Gorman, a sales associate at Toys R Us, noted that sales of the original Game Boys and the Game Boy Color were thriving, with Pokémon-related items leading the charge. Popular titles included the blue, red, and yellow versions of Pokémon, along with Pokémon Pinball and Donkey Kong for the Nintendo 64.

Game consoles were not the only hot commodities this holiday season. At the Kay-Bee Toy and Hobby Shop in West Acres Mall, popular Sony PlayStation titles like James Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies, NFL Game Day 2000, and the newly released X-Files game were flying off the shelves. Store staff reported that these games appealed to both children and adults, demonstrating the widespread allure of gaming this holiday season.

As the festive shopping frenzy continued, young gamers like Keith and Franklin expressed their aspirations for the upcoming holiday. Both boys have written to Santa Claus with hopes of receiving a new Sega Dreamcast. When asked about their behavior throughout the year, they confidently affirmed their good deeds, with Keith declaring, “No doubt about it.”

The excitement of the shopping season, fueled by the demand for gaming products, showcased not only the popularity of video games but also their significance in family bonding and holiday traditions. With the Christmas season approaching, it is clear that video games will remain a staple on wish lists across the country, bringing joy to children and parents alike.