Microsoft has started blocking ‘unauthorised’ Xbox accessories
Update: Microsoft says unauthorised accessories “can compromise the gaming experience”
Microsoft has reportedly started blocking the use of unofficial accessories with Xbox consoles.
As spotted by Windows Central, a growing number of players using “unauthorised” third-party accessories have started receiving error message 0x82d60002.
“From the moment you connect an unauthorised accessory and receive error code 0x82d60002, you’ll have two weeks to use the accessory, after which time, it will then be blocked from use with the console,” according to Xbox’s support site.
“At that time, you’ll receive error code 0x82d60003. We encourage you to contact the store or manufacturer where you obtained the accessory to get help with returning it.”
Update
In a statement issued to VGC, Microsoft said unauthorised accessories can “compromise the gaming experience”.
“Microsoft and other licensed Xbox hardware partners’ accessories are designed and manufactured with quality standards for performance, security, and safety. Unauthorized accessories can compromise the gaming experience on Xbox consoles (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S.)
“Gamers may receive a pop-up warning that their accessory is unauthorized. Eventually, the unauthorized accessory will be blocked from use to preserve the console gaming experience.”
A full list of accessories that are supported on Xbox consoles can be found here, Microsoft said.
According to Windows Central sources said to be familiar with Xbox’s plans, the crackdown on unofficial accessories may be related to Microsoft expanding its programme for approved third-party wireless Xbox controllers. Currently, most Xbox third-party controllers are wired.
Third-party Xbox devices that are part of the “designed for Xbox” partner programme, which Microsoft says covers “more than 50 major gaming brands”, shouldn’t be affected, but any that fall outside of this may be.
These include Brook Gaming, which notes that its Xbox console-related products “may encounter functional disruptions in the near future”.
There’s currently no indication that Cronus and XIM accessories, which can be used to mimic a mouse and keyboard as an Xbox controller, have been impacted by the changes, although these could also be at risk of being blocked.
VGC has contacted Microsoft for further information about this reported crackdown on the use of unofficial accessories.
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