One Item Is Dominating Black Friday Searches Across Texas

I feel like Black Friday doesn't hit like it used to. Every now and then I'll see people lining up at five in the morning to catch a deal, but lately, with all the online sales it seems like the days of Black Friday chaos is dwindling. What has not dwindled is a Texas shopper's love of a good deal. And Black Friday still comes through with some pretty good deals.

According to new Google search data, Texans do have their eyes locked on one very specific thing this year. The new analysis from digital game store Loaded looked at Google Trends across Texas to see what shoppers are hunting for ahead of Black Friday, and the results were surprisingly unanimous.

So what’s the mystery item Texans are laser-focused on?

Turns out, it’s the Nintendo Switch 2, which is officially the most-searched console in the state this season.

The Switch 2 dropped over the summer and instantly became Nintendo’s fastest-selling console ever, moving 3.5 million units in just four days. Within seven weeks, that number jumped past 6 million worldwide, so the hype didn’t just stop after launch.

Searches across the state also show Texans aren’t just looking up the console, they’re already planning what they want to play when they get it! Animal Crossing: New Horizons, despite being released in 2020, continues to be a comfort favorite. Red Dead Redemption, which arrived on the Switch in 2023, brings the Wild West into handheld mode, also, it’s the one my nephews won’t stop talking about! Meanwhile, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, released on November 6, is already generating major interest as Zelda fans rush to experience the newest chapter in the franchise.

Where Demand Is Hitting the Hardest in Texas

Victoria leads the state in search activity, with Sherman close behind and the Valley’s Harlingen–Weslaco–Brownsville–McAllen area showing the same surge. It’s not just major metros like Austin or Dallas driving the trend; smaller Texas cities are the ones going the hardest this year.

If you’re hoping to score one this Black Friday, it may be smart to move early. With demand this high, stock is expected to sell quickly, especially for bundle deals like the $499 Mario Kart World package that retailers are already promoting. Texas may have toned down the five A.M. lineups, but when it comes to landing a good deal, that energy is still very much alive.