According to reports, Microsoft has started to block unauthorized third-party Xbox controllers and accessories
Microsoft has implemented measures to prevent “unauthorized” Xbox controllers and accessories from functioning on Xbox consoles. This restriction came to light last week when Resetera posters were the first to notice that certain third-party Xbox controllers display a warning message, stating, “connected accessory is not authorized,” when connected to an Xbox console.
Microsoft is blocking unauthorized third-party Xbox controllers and accessories.
These unauthorized items are given a warning and blocked after two weeks. It’s unclear if cheat devices are the target.
Officially authorized controllers are not affected. pic.twitter.com/EeuYyiwXZz
— AR12GAMING (@AR12Gaming) October 30, 2023
What Problems are Unofficial Xbox Controllers and Accessories Users Facing?
The issue seems to have surfaced after Microsoft launched OS version 10.0.25398.2266 on October 16. Earlier this year, Brook Gaming, a company renowned for producing third-party accessories such as steering wheels, fighting boards, and controllers for Xbox, posted on X that some of their products experienced either complete or partial functionality loss due to this update.
Photo Credit: PowerA
An error message has recently begun appearing on select third-party Xbox controllers, and a warning message indicates that the accessory will be disabled in two weeks.
“From the moment you connect an unauthorized accessory and receive error code 0x82d60002, you’ll have two weeks to use the accessory, after which time it will then be blocked from use with the console,” Microsoft revealed. “At that time, you’ll receive error code 0x82d60003. We encourage you to contact the store or manufacturer where you obtained the accessory to get help with returning it.”
Do You Need To Worry About Your Third Party Xbox Peripherals?
While third-party Xbox controllers within the “designed for Xbox” hardware partner program are safe from this issue, unauthorized controllers may trigger the error and face potential usage restrictions. Additionally, this might impact the functionality of third-party cheat devices such as XIM, Cronus Zen, and ReaSnow S1 on Xbox consoles.
On PC, these adapters are commonly employed to imitate controller inputs, enabling mouse and keyboard users to combine the advantages of aim assist and reduced recoil from a controller with the freedom of movement offered by a mouse and keyboard. Activision, Bungie, and Ubisoft have all taken proactive measures to prevent the use of these hardware spoofing devices. They’ve implemented strict regulations and imposed bans within games such as Call of Duty, Destiny 2, and Rainbow Six Siege.
The popularity of Cronus devices has been growing in the console world, and Microsoft’s move is expected to have consequences for some of these unauthorized adapters. Brook Gaming, a company recognized for creating an adapter that makes PlayStation controllers compatible with Xbox, acknowledges that their device has been affected by Microsoft’s decision.
Xbox console-related product Issue Update pic.twitter.com/QK0N41LmHW
— Brook Gaming (@brookgamingfans) October 20, 2023
In a tweet on X, Brook Gaming alerts users about potential “functional disruptions in the near future” for a range of its products, including a fighting board, controller adapter, and steering wheel adapter.
Owners of Xbox controllers produced by companies like Razer or PowerA, who have met Microsoft’s licensing requirements, need not worry about the policy change. To verify if your controller falls within the list of compatible devices, a quick visit to the Xbox website or a check for the ‘Designed for Xbox’ badge should suffice.