As of November 2023, Microsoft announced that they will no longer support unauthorized third-party accessories to be used with its Xbox consoles.
From Netflix and Disney+ password crackdowns to the console gaming world receiving stricter guidelines on accessory use, the gaming community was not happy with these recent changes. Microsoft just announced that they will not be supporting certain third-party accessories on the Xbox console. They encourage players to look up the list of authorized third-party accessories. If someone were to plug in an unauthorized accessory, it will be blocked with “error 0x82d60002.” Gaming community members have already begun to see this message appear.
Here is what the full message said, as reported by members of the gaming community:
“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).”
So, why is Microsoft implementing this? Well, their objectives seemed to be cracking down on any third-party accessories that could provide players unfair in-game advantages. However, this concept of doing this already received much backlash when Nintendo announced something similar to their new accessory policy. Many gamers reported that the intentions were there, but the execution would lead to a lot of accessibility-limiting issues.
In the Nintendo case, Nintendo’s new rules essentially banned the use of third-party controllers, which also included specific custom control set-ups made for players with accessibility needs. Many disabled gamers went to social media to voice their issues with the new tournament policy that blocked the use of third-party accessories.
Accessibility advocate Arevya wrote on Twitter that “I can somewhat understand Nintendo’s need to protect their IP, but this is taking it so far that it will exclude children, youth and grown-ups that need accessibility to play games like everyone else.” Modded controllers have been a growing discussion in the gaming community. Both Microsoft and Sony have released their own controllers to help disabled gamers.
The new Xbox policy requires players to purchase new controllers that comply with the new guidelines. This is seen as a step back. This would also mean that brands will need time to acquire the licenses to market their products as well. So far, the solution Xbox has suggested is to potentially return the unauthorized accessories and then buy ones that are authorized on their website. The new policy has been set for November 12 to be fully active.
