gibson00

Why not get a 3DS instead?  Cheaper, legitimately portable, and has Skylanders.

Well, I do also like having the ability to play on the TV when home.  I know he'd like playing the Super Mario games at home.  Decided to go ahead with it.  Bought the 8gig Skylanders set at the local big box store (Futureshop) for 219, and picked up a copy of the 3D Mario game as well.  Will check it out tomorrow night as we are on the road visiting relatives today.

Cheers

A TV is required to sync the gamepad when you first turn the system on, but beyond that it's designed in a way that the gamepad is more required than a TV.

Do you mean the first time you use the system, or every time you turn it on??

I do understand that the console is always required, and have a normal plug converter in the car to plug it into I think.  But if it requires a TV in front of it every time it is turned on, that is kind of a deal killer...