Microsoft is restricting Xbox Series X/S external accessories in a major move. When trying to utilize certain Us controllers, gamers have started experiencing error messages informing them that these devices are prohibited and will be declared useless by mid-November. Many gaming communities have expressed outrage over this decision, but competitive fighting game players have been particularly vocal about it. These gamers usually depend on third-party fight sticks for high-level events.
The impending Microsoft policy change was initially revealed last week in a WindowsCentral story. Kotaku reported that an Xbox One customer said that while trying to utilize an unofficial Xbox controller, they encountered the error number "0x82d60002". "A connected accessory is not authorized," the console warned, going on to say, "Using unauthorized accessories compromises your gaming experience." Consequently, on November 12, 2023, the unlawful accessory will no longer be able to be used."
A detailed view of an Xbox One controller during day one of the 2019 ePremier League Finals at Gfinity Arena on March 28, 2019 in London, England.
Curbing Cheat Devices
The accessory manufacturer Brook Gaming, which is well-known for its expertise in combat boards and steering wheel adapters, issued a similar warning. On October 20, the firm tweeted, "Recently, we have received player feedback concerning these products when used on Xbox consoles (the latest OS version 10.0.25398.2266 released on 10/16) during online gameplay. We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause you."
According to Engadget, Microsoft's action of taking a hard stance perhaps came partially from wanting to halt cheating devices like Cronus Zen, which have been causing concern to numerous video game companies, hence they are trying to prohibit their use during gameplay.
Some accessories and controllers have reportedly already stopped working as a result of these modifications. An Xbox user from the UK reported that their third-party controller, which they called "janky," was no longer compatible with Microsoft's systems. Additionally, the story made hints about Microsoft potentially approving additional third-party wireless controllers; nonetheless, the report cited unnamed individuals who were aware of the company's intentions.
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Some Xbox players in the United States received a somewhat different message. As shown on Reddit, they were told that after obtaining an error number, they had two weeks to use the unauthorized Xbox device before the console would ban it, according to a Gizmodo report.
Xbox Users React
Several customers maintain that they bought these third-party Xbox accessories for a more accessible gaming experience, despite Microsoft's argument that utilizing third-party gear may harm the Xbox gameplay. The accessibility-focused broadcaster SightlessKombat revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he utilizes the unofficial Titan Two adapter to help with his accessibility choices and the Brook Gaming adapter for multi-system compatibility. He voiced worries that without the features that assistive technology offers, he may not be able to stream Xbox games.
As of right now, Microsoft has yet to provide its response to any formal inquiries about this controversial Xbox policy change, and the matter is still causing controversy and unhappiness among Xbox gamers.
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