The Homework First is a combination lock parental control device for the Nintendo Entertainment System made by SafeCare Products, Inc. of Dundee, Illinois[2] and Master Lock. The lock features a "Self-Setting" combination that attaches to the open bay of a front-loading NES-001 system via a screw hole below the cartridge slot which enables the lock to grab the console like a vise to prevent both the insertion of cartridges and the removal of the device.[1][3] Around 25,000 units were claimed to have been sold.[4]

Homework First
DeveloperSafeCare Products, Inc.
Master Lock
TypeCombination lock
Release date1990[1]
PlatformNintendo Entertainment System

Reception

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ACE magazine panned the device on a conceptual level during their 1989 CES coverage.[5]

Jeuxvideo.com cited the device as one of the first video game parental controls.[6]

See also

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  • 10NES (lockout chip preventing games not authorized by Nintendo from running)

References

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  1. ^ a b Luke Plunkett (September 11, 2014). "Parental Locks For Video Games Used To Be Crazy". Kotaku. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  2. ^ Warshaw, Michael (March 15, 2000). "The Thing That Would Not Die, E-Commerce Article". Inc.com. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  3. ^ "Nintendo's Forgotten Console Peripherals". Transmit Him. July 31, 2014. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  4. ^ Plante, Chris (September 10, 2014). "How overbearing parents prevented kids from playing video games in 1989". The Verge. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  5. ^ ACE Magazine. August 1989. p. 11.
  6. ^ "Nintendo et les accessoires : une histoire d'amour qui dure depuis plus de 30 ans". Jeuxvideo.com (in French). October 25, 2019. Retrieved August 19, 2022.