Best Buy™ Launches Custom Gaming PCs; Custom-Built Velocity Micro PCs Enhance Gaming Performance

Business Wire, May 10, 2006

LOS ANGELES -- Best Buy, from the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), today announced the launch of custom gaming PCs online at BestBuy.com. The new program helps customers design their own Velocity Micro computer system to perform to their specific gaming needs and to make purchases directly from BestBuy.com.

"This marks a new era in PC gaming at Best Buy," said Kevin Balon, vice president of Customer Centricity at Best Buy. "We know our customers are always looking for innovative and convenient ways to maximize their gaming experience and these high performance Velocity Micro PCs should help do that for them."

Best Buy developed the new program based on customer feedback, indicating that PC Gamers tend to rely heavily on maximizing their computer's performance and they want more options to customize their PCs to particular gaming needs. Customers can go to BestBuy.com, click on "Desktop Computers" and customize their system from a wide assortment of pre-configured Velocity Micro gaming systems. Additional custom offerings beyond gaming applications are being planned for the site later this year.

"We're excited to be a part of this new online custom PC program - it's a great new feature on BestBuy.com," said Randy Copeland, Velocity Micro president and CEO. "This program lets us create a unique experience for Best Buy customers allowing them to get the most out of their PCs."

Velocity Micro is a leading manufacturer of high-performance enthusiast PCs. Each PC is customized to the customer's exact specifications and handcrafted to the highest standards of excellence. With lines of gaming machines, digital media systems, computers for home office and small business, Best Buy and Velocity Micro will now offer consumers the best, personalized PC experience possible.

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 930 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 (BestBuy.com and BestBuy.ca), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com and GeekSquad.ca) and Magnolia Audio Video (Magnoliaav.com). We support our communities through employee volunteerism and grants from The Best Buy Children's Foundation.

Note to editors: Visit BestBuy.com for access to the latest news and live video from E3.