Nintendo boss 'doubts PSP Go appeal'

Nintendo America boss Reggie Fils-Aime has expressed his doubts over who will actually want to buy Sony's new PSP Go handheld.

Released on October 1, the new device offers a more compact shape compared to the main PSP, along with a download-only model for gaming and media consumption.

However, Fils-Aime told the The Washington Post that there is a "fundamental concept problem" about what the product is for and who would benefit from buying it.

"I have the utmost respect for all our competitors but it's interesting to try and answer the consumer question of, 'What's in it for me?' in that product," he said.

Despite the ongoing success of downloadable games in Apple's App Store, Fils-Aime stated that there are titles on the Nintendo DS that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere, such as Scribblenauts.

"That's a fabulous experience that can only be brought to life on the DS," he added. "All of these experiences are very unique and very different and what you cannot find on their App Store."

Don McCabe, managing director of independent retailer Chips World, last week predicted that the PSP Go will "fail miserably" due to its high price and lack of bundling options for retailers.