The calendar has turned the page to November once again, which means it’s time for some insight and thought. On the 22^nd of this month, we gather together as a human race, with our friends and family for a moment to reflect, bond, and join together in peace and harmony.

And on the 23^rd, we gather together as a human race to beat the snot out of each other for discount TVs.

It’s time for Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year and the metaphorical starting gunshot to the holiday shopping season. Termed “Black Friday” due to the fact that retailers see it as the final push to get in the “black,” it’s insanely profitable for the companies, but smart shoppers can also pick up big discounts at little bucks with a little planning… and a lot of patience.

GotGame has sifted through the pages (and pages and pages) of Black Friday ads to find the deals that you need for the gamers on your list, as well as maybe a little something for yourself on the side.

The first step to preparing for the holiday season involves preparing the handheld systems for long road trips, endless photo sessions, and keeping your boyfriend, husband, or other male relation entertained while you obsess over patterns on scarves.

As of this publishing, no deals have been announced for the Nintendo 3DS XL. But as we all know, it’s not always the size of the unit, it’s how you play it that matters. So if you’re willing to compromise a little bit on the console and screen size, both Best Buy and Target are offering a Nintendo 3DS bundle for $149.99, which includes the 3DS console in Flame Red and a copy of Super Mario 3D Land. Target, along with Wal-Mart, will be offering Black Friday discounts on 3DS games, with Target’s offerings starting as low as $10.

While 3DS XL console prices are largely expected to drop only slightly (if at all at some retailers), Sony is taking advantage of the situation by releasing and pushing PlayStation Vita bundles at many retailers as well as their own online store. The bundles have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $199.99 and will include the console unit and a game. Best Buy and Toys R Us will carry the Call of Duty Black Ops: Declassified bundle, with a black unit and 4GB memory card included. Toys R Us will also include a complimentary PS Vita accessory kit with every purchase of the CoD bundle, which includes a stylus, screen protectors, and extra game cases. Though no major retailers have announced them, Sony also announced that there would be Black Friday bargains on bundles which include either Assassin’s Creed III Liberation or LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes.

The Big Winner: For handhelds, the big winner, surprisingly, is Toys R Us. Not only will they be offering both the Nintendo 3DS and PS Vita bundles, they also will be having a Black Friday sale on games, offering a “Buy 1 Get 1 For a Buck” sale on select titles. It’s a great way to pick off presents on a gamer’s list who may already have these consoles as well as getting the consoles themselves.

* * * * *

Disclaimer: The bargains reflected in GotGame’s “Call of Duty: Black Friday Ops” articles or any other published works, either in print, on-line, or on air, are subject to availability and many, if not all, are available only for limited amounts of time or while supplies last. GotGame and GotGame.com cannot be held responsible for stores running out of availability, changing pricing without notice, or discontinuing brands or titles. Readers are advised to call ahead to verify stock on hand.