PlaySavvy recently wrote about the GameDr. gaming timer, a gadget that your console plugs in to which is then programmed by a parent or caregiver to limit a young gamer's time allowance. As GamePolitics points out, "Aside from being easily defeated by simply using a spare power cord, we have to wonder: If a parent can't say no to their child about their gaming time in the first place, how do they plan to say no when the kid protests the use of this device?"

Commenters also had plenty to say on the matter, usually against the idea of the GameDr. and in favor of more parent involvement. One commenter wrote, "this product to me seems like it supports parental laziness. From the same minds who brought you 'pay no attention to what media your kid buys/consumes, let the state and the law handle this!,' now comes 'Don't even bother to check when they are playing, just use this stupid piece of equipment while you watch TV all evening!'" While that might be a bit harsh, it does seem like the general feeling -- especially from hardcore gamers, who are very glad these types of devices weren't allowed when they were starting out!

There are other devices on the market as well, like the Time Machine Children's Time Management System, which comes with tokens that are worth an extra 30 minutes of time that parents can give to kids for good behavior. While most of the reviews are positive, one parent noted, " Yes, this unit DOES still require parental involvement at some level. Some people are surprised by this. Wake up people... Technically you could probably pry the unit open, but again parents can make the consequences clear if people are trying to cheat the system." Another commenter also noted it was helpful for her controlling her own gaming time as well: "My boys love Nintendo. They love it so much, we could spend all day playing it and never know. As a mom with ADHD, I could spend all day on it and never have any concept of how long we've actually been playing. This machine is a life saver!"

There are plenty of others, too, like the Power Cop, PlayLimit, and Time-Scout; the latter uses a debit card the user must swipe to get the system to power on. However, none of these are fool proof, especially when it comes to a gamer desperate to finish one more level.

Popular sites like EBGame and GameStop don't offer any of these devices on their websites, either. Obviously, it would be bad for business! Once again, it comes down to parents getting involved in what their kids are doing -- even if it means just buying something from Amazon and taking the time to put it together.