Xbox Accessories
Image: Xbox

Update #2 [Thu 2nd Nov, 2023 03:00 GMT]:

Microsoft has provided another update to the same source, confirming connections via the USB and 3.5mm ports on the Xbox Adaptive Controller will not be impacted by this new policy. Third-party devices designed for accessibility should also continue to work through this device.


Update [Tue 31st Oct, 2023 0:05 GMT]:

A Microsoft spokesperson has issued an official response (via Windows Central), explaining how unauthorised accessories can "compromise the gaming experience" on Xbox consoles:

"Microsoft and other licensed Xbox hardware partners' accessories are designed and manufactured with quality standards for performance, security, and safety. Unauthorized accessories can compromise the gaming experience on Xbox consoles (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S.) Players may receive a pop-up warning that their accessory is unauthorized. Eventually, the unauthorized accessory will be blocked from use to preserve the console gaming experience. For a full list of accessories that are supported on Xbox consoles, please visit www.xbox.com/accessories, our support pages here and here, and our Designed for Xbox Partner Hardware Program page here."

Since this announcement, various accessory manufacturers have been confirming the status of their own products beyond this update. It remains unclear if products like XIM or Cronus Zen will continue to work, but as a reminder, everything that's been "officially licensed" is in the all-clear.

Original story [Mon 30th Oct, 2023 04:00 GMT]:

In some surprising news, it's been discovered Microsoft will no longer allow Xbox users to use unapproved accessories with their consoles. This information comes via Windows Central, which explains how a new policy to block "unauthorised third-party accessories" will come into effect on 12th November 2023.

Some users have been presented with a warning message on their dashboard about this when plugging in certain devices. It informs the user how their device will be blocked by "error 0x82d60002" after the new policy takes effect.

Anyone using an unauthorised accessory is advised to return it, and check with the store it came from or contact the manufacturer. This message may differ, depending on the region.

According to Windows Central's own sources, Microsoft may be planning to expand its program for "approved third-party wireless Xbox controllers" as most right now are wired products. If this is true, there may be more wired third-party controllers in the future.

Some brands are already feeling the heat including 'Brook Gaming' known for third-party accessories - with devices like its Wingman XB 2 converter and XB Fighting Board encountering issues, and leading to some concerns online.

If you do have a third-party Xbox product, it should be fine to use as long as the manufacturer has paid for the Xbox license - a few examples include Razer and Turtle Beach products. The source further notes how Microsoft is really just attempting to block items that don't have Xbox licensing but market their products as being compatible with the console.

If we hear any updates, we'll let you know. What are your own thoughts about this? Tell us in the comments.

[source windowscentral.com]