As the end of 2026 approaches, discussions about Black Friday graphics card deals have become more complicated. Some are questioning whether waiting for the annual shopping event is still a smart move. According to a recent report, there were a few decent deals on graphics cards during Black Friday 2025, but they were limited. Gamers and tech enthusiasts are now weighing whether to buy a GPU now or wait for potential better deals, with some recalling past years when discounts were rare. A user on the US-based forum Reddit is considering purchasing an open-box Nvidia RTX 5070 for $745 or waiting for Black Friday to secure a price under $700. However, some sources indicate that Black Friday may not offer major savings on graphics cards. The event has historically not been the strongest time for PC component deals, despite occasional bargains. This year, the situation has become even more uncertain due to ongoing supply chain issues. The RAM crisis has reached another peak in the second half of 2026, contributing to higher prices for graphics cards. In recent weeks, rumors of upcoming GPU price hikes have circulated, and US retailers have already reported significant price increases over the past month. This trend is made worse by predictions of a continued shortage of memory, which affects both video RAM and system memory, with DDR5 prices rising sharply. Looking ahead, it is expected that GPU prices will keep increasing in 2026, making it less likely that Black Friday will offer substantial savings. For mainstream GPUs, including mid-range and lower-tier models, this could be an important consideration. Higher-end models like the Nvidia RTX 5080 are already very expensive, priced over $1,500 in the US. These prices are unlikely to decrease and may even go up further, with potential improvements not expected until 2028. For those seeking a more affordable option, models like the RTX 5070 or AMD RX 9070 XT are available at lower prices, with the possibility of reselling later when higher-end GPUs may become more affordable. However, options for more expensive GPUs remain limited. As a result, some are suggesting that Black Friday should be renamed "Red Friday" due to its misleading nature regarding graphics card deals. If a reasonable price is found for a desired GPU, it may be advisable to purchase it immediately rather than waiting for Black Friday, given the current market conditions.