Microsoft has shown a desire to expand its approved third-party program for controllers and accessories used on Xbox. However, this may also result in unauthorized devices being banned from communications on the console.
According to a report initially published in Windows Central, an Xbox owner located in the UK received an error message (code 0x82d60002) when plugging in a third-party controller. The error message reads, “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.”
Windows Central also noted that this could be related to Microsoft’s plans to expand support for third-party wireless Xbox controllers, but only by brands it has personally approved. It’s been hard for third-party manufacturers to produce and release these kinds of products. Yet, these new rules could lead to a floodgate of them being available. The new restrictions could be an attempt by Microsoft to prevent the sale and use of accessories that would allow cheating in games.
Brook Gaming, one example of a third-party manufacturer, has acknowledged that these changes will inevitably impact some of its existing products, and it is working to solve the problem.
As of now, Microsoft has not provided an official statement with respect to this particular issue, and it remains uncertain whether it will move forward with the policy or reverse it. It’s important to note that Microsoft has walked back policies in the past as a result of negative feedback, including former plans to increase the price of Xbox Live Gold.