Microsoft adds control to Xbox 360

Microsoft Corp. said it was adding a feature to its Xbox 360 that would limit the amount of time children could play video games.

The timer can limit playing time on a daily or weekly basis and turns off the console when the limit is reached. Microsoft’s Windows Vista computer operating system has a similar feature.

Microsoft research showed that 90% of parents had restrictions on video gaming, with half of them being limits on playing time. The Xbox 360, which competes with Sony Corp.’s PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Co.’s Wii, already has a feature that allows parents to restrict the kinds of games that are played based on their content rating.