Xbox’s new policy: Accessories without official authorization will be banned from November 17th
According to Windows Central, Microsoft is set to institute a new policy whereby, starting November 12, 2023, unauthorized third-party peripherals—be they controllers, headphones, or the like—will no longer be permissible for use with their Xbox consoles. This sweeping enactment will be in full effect by November 17. The driving force behind this decision stems from Microsoft’s belief that connecting unauthorized devices detracts from the gaming experience they strive to provide.
Lately, certain players have reported encountering an error message bearing the code “0x82d60002” whilst using their Xbox consoles. The message details:
“A connected accessory is not authorized. Using unauthorized accessories compromises your gaming experience. For this reason, the unauthorized accessory will be blocked from use on 11/12/2023. For help returning it, check with the store it came from or contact the manufacturer. To see authorized accessories, go to www.xbox.com/accessories. (0x82d60002).”
Some gamers have noted that after this warning, their unauthorized third-party controllers could no longer establish a connection with the Xbox console.
In the past, licensed, renowned Xbox controllers on the market retained a wired design and were priced on the steeper side. This led many budget-conscious gamers to opt for the more affordable and wireless unauthorized alternatives. This policy’s introduction will undoubtedly ruffle feathers among this demographic. However, Windows Central also divulged that Microsoft has been easing restrictions on third-party hardware manufacturers producing wireless peripherals for devices such as the Xbox Series X|S. PowerA’s MOGA XP-Ultra, launched in May of this year, stands as one of the pioneer third-party wireless controllers to receive official authorization. Microsoft’s fresh directive seems largely angled at averting third-party entities from utilizing designs that emulate external hardware cheats, ensuring a level playing field for all players.
Faced with these imminent changes, several unauthorized third-party peripheral manufacturers have been scrambling to formulate strategies to navigate Microsoft’s impending regulations. Yet, as of now, there’s no word on whether devices like Cronus or XIM—which simulate Xbox controllers using a mouse and keyboard, potentially skewing fair gameplay—are being targeted by this policy.
