My toddler has entered the world of video games, thanks to my hubby and I. We both love video games and didn’t waste any time exposing her to all the fun video games have to offer. At only 2 1/2, she is able to keep up with my hubby in Super Mario for Wii, and knows her way around the various screen options pretty well.
When it comes to handheld devices, I’m a little worried about keeping a safe distance between her face and the game. I often find her face very close to any game that isn’t played on TV. Thankfully there is a Parental Control Kit for Nintendo 3DS by Bigben Interactive that allows parents to call the shots when it comes to safe gaming. When the device is less than 9 inches from the player, the Parental Control kit lets out a loud sound to notify the player and the parent. This is great and sets up much-needed limits. Other features of the Parental Control kit for Nintendo 3DS is limiting how much time the child spends on the game each day. I don’t have issues with my toddler spending too much time with video games just yet, but I’m sure this feature will come in handy very soon! You can limit game time by sessions in increments of 20, 30, 45, or 60 minutes, as well as total game time per day (between 1-4 hours.) A 5 minute warning is given to the child so that they have enough time to save their game, and once the time is up, the game is shut off.
What I love about the Parental Control Kit for the 3DS is the multi-purpose feature of the case. It has a hard exterior shell that actually protects the Nintendo 3DS while also protecting your child’s eyes and limiting game time! The Parental Control for 3DS™ is available for purchase online with major retailers such as Amazon.com and sold for a SRP of $39.99. It 
will begin shipping to customers in April 2012. If you preorder on Amazon right now, you will receive $5 off! Hurry, this offer is limited!
Don’t have a 3DS? You can also get the Parental Control system for PlayStation 3. Instead of an add on device, you would be using a PS3 controller that is designed to limit game time. The control pad is slightly different than the original PS3 controller in that it has a digital display for parental control features, as well as ergonomic enhancements such as non-slip, angled buttons. You can find the Parental Control for Playstation 3 at various online retailers, such as Amazon for $39.99, but if you preorder you will save $5. The Parental Control for PS3 is scheduled to come out this month, so be sure to preorder before it hits the market!
For product updates and to connect with others interested in the Parental Control units, visit Bigben on Facebook. For more information about the Parental Control units visit Bigben Interactive.
Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.