US specialist retailer GameStop has recorded profits of USD 70.4 million for the first quarter ended May 2, up 13.4 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Total sales for the quarter grew 9.2 per cent to USD 1.98 billion, led by the successful launch of the Nintendo DSi handheld and two Capcom titles – Resident Evil 5 and Street Fighter IV.

However, the company blamed the recession in Europe and the slowdown of new console sales on a decline in comparable store sales of 1.5 per cent.