If you use a third-party Xbox controller, there’s a good chance you might have to switch to something else soon. Microsoft is starting to block third-party Xbox controllers, though why software giant opted to ban third-party accessories is a bit of a mystery (thanks, The Verge).
The problem started showing up sporadically on Resetera, as users reported receiving an unusual message when they plugged in their controllers.
“So I bought a third-party Hall Effect controller compatible with Xbox Series X/S and I plugged in the wireless dongle and it says come November Microsoft will be blocking ‘unauthorized accessories,’” one user wrote. “So now I’m returning the controller and my wife is going to open up our current controller and try and fix the stick drift.”
“Authorized” third-party controllers are those you’ll find in the “Designed for Xbox Hardware Program from some of the bigger names in third-party console accessories, including 8BitDo, Nacon, and Razer. The Verge speculates Microsoft wants to cut down on cheating from devices such as the Cronus Zen, though it leaves some players who just want an alternative to the official Xbox controller out in the cold.
A common threat in Resetera comments is how less expensive third-party controllers offered a better alternative to the more expensive Xbox controller, which also tends to suffer from stick drift pretty frequently. It presents a problem for the fighting game community as well, a group that almost always uses third-party options that don’t come from the Xbox Partner program – and are usually more affordable.
“This is essentially a death sentence for local fighting game events that run on Xbox, much less, others that can only afford one arcade stick,” Maximillian Dood, a popular YouTuber and fighting game enthusiast, wrote on Twitter.
Heyo @XboxP3 @Xbox @mattbooty This is essentially a death sentence for local fighting game events that run on Xbox, much less, others that can only afford one arcade stick. The @brookgamingfans converters are not cheat devices. They’re a huge boon to the FGC. Please reconsider! https://t.co/85rqlfXm4i
— Maximilian Dood (@maximilian_) October 30, 2023
Microsoft made no official announcement about it, aside from a brief blurb on the Xbox support website.
“From the moment you connect an unauthorized 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,” the note reads. 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.”
Written by Josh Broadwell on behalf of GLHF