Blockbuster to Sell Games, Consoles

Blockbuster Inc. will begin selling video games and consoles Memorial Day weekend, competing head-to-head with retailers such as Electronics Boutique for a piece of the $9.4-billion market.

The Dallas subsidiary of Viacom Inc. generated $457.8 million in revenue from game rentals last year, down 5% from 2000. As a percent of revenue, however, Blockbuster has seen U.S. game rentals rise from 9% of sales in 2000 to 12% the first three months this year.