I haven't done this, just thinking about how I would handle this...we did go through a 4 year period of not having t.v. or video games..but this was before my boy was big enough to crave those things...just putting that out there to say that I have guided a family through living without t.v. and games..

well, to ease this, I would work really hard to keep him busy and engaged with other things, which will be a lot of work for you, but long term- in a few months he hopefully will become able to entertain himself, this would be your long term goal.  If he really has a problem, and it sounds like it, if he has turned down other fun to finish levels,  then I really think you are going to have to work hard to help him.

when he gets home from school, start off with a snack and sit and visit, ask about his day.  Then, have some kind of activity planned...bake something together, do a craft, go for a walk...go throw a ball in the yard or ride a bike together.  Go to the library.  Listen to a book on tape, we love books on tape here,  Hank the Cowdog is hilarious, your boy would love that series, check your library, they might have it.  Artemis Fowl is another a boy would enjoy.  Go to the bookstore.  We go at least once a week, get a hot chocolate and my boy looks at comics, like calvin & Hobbes.
The key is to keep him busy.  When you do need moments to get something done...get out some watercolors and have him paint.

it will be a lot of work for you, but it will pay off in the long run. I know you feel bad about how deep it got, I can see that in your post, but I do think you deserve a pat on the back that your boy was able to come to you and talk to you about it, and look to you for help.

We actually have a child who has ADHD but HYPERFOCUSES on certain things.  Wii games and the DS have been one of those things.  We have only allowed him to play once or twice a week, and yet he is thinking about it all during the week.  My husband and I finally decided that it just wasn't beneficial for him.  It was painful to take them away because he enjoys them so much, and yet it has been a blessing.  He is such a creative kid and I felt like he was being zapped of his creativity.  It was difficult at first but the more time goes by the less he thinks about it.  It helped to just pack up the wii and send the DS to my mom's.  That way he isn't even tempted to ask.  It really has been the best thing we have done.  It is great that your son has come to this conlusion on his own!! 

I have a son who could easily get addicted!  We do not play video games at our house during the school week.  They can play them on Friday when they get home from school  for an hour and on Saturday, but it's limited to 2 hours.  It has helped all of us, but especially that particular son.  He plays outside more, he draws and uses his imagination (because I too felt like his creativity was zapped and he is my MOST creative child). 

Maybe using video games as a reward for doing well in school, good behavior instead of giving him free reign is a way to control their use and still allow him to enjoy them??

Kimberly,

   In our family we do not allow videao games,computers or any electronics.My 12 year and six year old sons have never shown any interest in any electronics.They do love to hunt,fish, look for gold with dad on our property and ride bikes,go-carts and lots of other boy stuff.They do not come in the house until the sun is down.If you would like to read more you can go to Daylilyhill.com click onto magazine and then click onto read about real peoples gardens. scroll down and click onto Meet Charleen MullenIt is a story about my family whom loves the outdoors and gardening.

You have an awesome kid! I would advise him to write about it - on his own - in his own words, perhaps in his journal... to really let it all out, and in a place where he can glean from it when he is older. I would tell him how lucky he is that he got to learn to not waste time now while he is young and still has so many years ahead of him. And I would encourage him to remember that taking time to play and have fun daily is very important. I would tell him what a totally awesome person he is, and that I believe in him, and know he will find balance in life and learn to enjoy it and do good things, without addictions. He is very blessed.