Best Buy Appearance on NBC's ''The Apprentice'' This Week Reflect

    Business Editors

    MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 4, 2005--As the destination for all things gaming, it makes sense that Best Buy would be enlisted by Donald Trump as one of the final tasks in this Thursday's episode of NBC's "The Apprentice" (May 5, 9-10 p.m. ET). The "Best Buy Video Game World Championship" at Webster Hall is evidence of gaming's rising significance as a source of entertainment for adults in today's digital world. According to the Electronic Software Association, half of all Americans age six and older play computer and video games. In a study released last month, Nielsen Entertainment's Interactive Group disputed gaming stereotypes by revealing that nearly a quarter of all gamers are over age 40, and nearly 40 percent are women.
    "Gamers are investing time and money in PC and console gaming products because they're constantly looking to elevate the quality of their experience," said Jill Hamburger, vice president of movies, video games and toys at Best Buy. "Gaming isn't just plug-and-play anymore."
    The next generation of gaming takes the basic video game competition to a new level with online events that enable people to compete with opponents across the room or across the country using high-definition advancements and surround-sound systems that encourage greater interactivity.
    In addition to offering a wide assortment of gaming hardware and software, Best Buy is committed to helping this growing community of gamers achieve more from their experience. Expert sales associates, interactive displays, PC gaming upgrades and technical support are designed to help gamers make the most of the functionality of their home entertainment centers.
    "When gamers experience high-definition home theater gaming areas, it really opens their eyes to the possibilities for making gaming even more exciting," Hamburger explains.
    Manufacturers and retailers are moving quickly to bring improved, more interactive experiences to gamers. The upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2005 Conference (May 18-20) will highlight the latest trends in the interactive entertainment industry and showcase future gaming developments that are guaranteed to captivate gaming fans around the world.
    In addition, regulated PC and console gaming competitions such as the Best Buy Electronic Gaming Championship at store locations throughout Southern California actively engage enthusiasts in the hobby they love. These regional, weekly tournaments will culminate on May 18 with the finals in select titles and a celebration during "Inside E3 2005" presented by Best Buy and other sponsors concurrent with E3 2005 in Los Angeles.

    About Best Buy Co., Inc.

    Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) is an innovative Fortune 100 growth company that continually strives to create superior customer experiences. Through more than 780 retail stores across the United States and in Canada, our employees connect customers with technology and entertainment products and services that make life easier and more fun. We sell consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services. A Minneapolis-based company, our operations include: Best Buy, Future Shop, Geek Squad and Magnolia Audio Video. We support our communities through employee volunteerism and grants from The Best Buy Children's Foundation.

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CONTACT: Best Buy Co., Inc., Minneapolis Media Contacts: Paula Baldwin, 612-291-6126 paula.baldwin@bestbuy.com or Jennifer Blake, 323-866-6011 jennifer.blake@mslpr.com or Jay Musolf, 612-291-6124 jay.musolf@bestbuy.com

KEYWORD: MINNESOTA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD RETAIL PRODUCT SOURCE: Best Buy Co., Inc.

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