Blockbuster Expands Gaming Assortment

by Alan Wolf -- TWICE, 4/29/2008 2:06:00 PM

Dallas — Blockbuster has begun selling video game titles, hardware and accessories for Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS game systems in all of its company-owned U.S. stores.

The chain is also adding more rental titles and additional copies across all gaming platforms.

“We’re committed to offering a full assortment of everything gamers want in our stores,” said Rod Murray, games merchandising VP.

To support the expansion, Blockbuster will also offer a variety of special consumer game offers, such as an exclusive Sony PS3 movie and game bundle. The bundle, available at corporate-owned stores for $500, includes a 40GB Sony PS3 game console, a PS3/Blu-ray DVD remote, an HDMI cable, a “Spiderman 3” Blu-ray disc, “Transformers” PS3 game and a 12-week PS3/Blu-ray rental card that entitles users to one free PS3 or Blu-ray rental per week for 12 consecutive weeks.

All products will be displayed within specially designated game sections.

The gaming push comes as the chain seeks to diversify its core DVD rental business through alternative content  delivery models.Blockbuster acquired video download service Movielink last summer; has made an unsolicited bid for Circuit City in order to bundle content and hardware; and is reportedly considering a stake in a new video-on-demand TV channel being developed by three Hollywood studios.