• Microsoft seems to be restricting the access of some unofficial third-party accessories on its Xbox consoles.
• This extends to unlicensed controllers, fighting game sticks and even driving wheel adapters.
• Reports indicate it may be due to Microsoft opened up new methods for third parties to license their wireless controllers, or even a way to stop unfair multiplayer advantages.

If you use an unofficial controller to play on Xbox Series S or X, you may find it no longer works on your console after 12th November 2023. Microsoft has reportedly already blocked some of these Xbox controllers, issuing a new error code that some users have seen when the hardware is plugged in.

This the error message “0x82d60002,” which states “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 was first to report on the error message, first noticed by an Xbox user in the UK who had been playing with an unlicensed and unofficial controller. The user’s Xbox blocked the controller from working. It seems the blocking of third-party controller has been coming for some time from Microsoft and will affect a larger swathe than initially expected.

These restrictions obviously do not affect official products like the Xbox Adaptive Controller, which launched in South Africa in 2020.

According to an X post from Xbox accessory maker Brook Gamer, players have been complaing of receiving errors when using the company’s products while on Xbox after the latest update to OS version 10.0.25398.2266.

Brook says that the message has been popping up for products like the Wingman XB 2 converter, the XB Fighting Board, the UFB Fighting Board, the UFB-Fusion Fighting Board, Raslution Steering Wheel Adapter and the Raslution 2 – Steering Wheel Adapter.

It seems then it’s affecting more than just normal controllers and extends to fighting game sticks and driving wheel adapters usually reserved for fans of racing games and simulators.

“The Brook engineering team is fully committed to developing a solution to maintain product quality and functionality. Please trust that we will spare no effort in identifying potential solutions. Once further updates become available. we will promptly notify you through our official community platforms,” the company says.

It might be out of Brook’s hands however, as seems that the decision to begin blocking these accessories could be down to Microsoft’s plan to expand its programme to license third-party wireless controllers. Windows Central notes that Microsoft is lifting restrictions for third-party hardware manufacturers to build wireless accessories for Xbox Series X and S.

Seemingly Microsoft wants more manufacturers to build wireless accessories and then get them officially licensed for the Xbox. Previously high quality third-party Xbox controllers from the like of Razer were only able to be wired. Only headsets would receive the greenlight from Microsoft for wireless capabilities.

It seems Microsoft has now opened a licensing process for third-party wireless Xbox controllers, and the new restriction that blocks certain accessories is a way to restrict players from circumventing play or using controllers that may grant an unfair advantage during multiplayer matches.

Unfortunately these restrictions are also blocking some fair and square third party devices too, with especially harsh consequences for fighting game players. Combo inputs in games like Street Fighter 6 or Tekken 8 are much easier using a fightstick than a normal console gamepad, which is why fighsticks are so common in the professional scene.

The other issue is that many players resort to unofficial and third party products simply because they are cheaper while still offering the same functionality as official and licensed devices. Now with these new restrictions players will be forced to buy more expensive pieces of hardware.

For now it seems that as long as you’re using an officially licensed third party product, you should have no issues with your Xbox controller. Brands like Turtle Beach and Razer and other major manufacturers will probably not cause any errors. However devices from smaller brands may cause issues.

[Image – Photo by Adam Valstar on Unsplash]