Microsoft banning unapproved Xbox controllers and accessories
Microsoft will start blocking third-party controllers or accessories that aren’t part of the “Designed for Xbox” hardware partner programme from being used on Xbox consoles.
The policy change was first highlighted online after a third-party accessory manufacturer — Brook Gaming — issued a statement on Twitter/X acknowledging that some of its products might encounter functional disruptions soon.
Brook Gaming said that users of its custom Xbox wireless adapters, fighting boards, and steering wheels were being presented with an error message stating a connected accessory was not authorised while playing games online.
Among its products is the Wingman XB 2 converter, which allows the use of PlayStation and various Xbox controllers across different generations of the Xbox.
A Resetera forum member also posted about their wireless adapter prompting the error a few days later.
Engadget pointed out that the cause of the error is explained in more detail on the Xbox support blog.
“This means that one of the accessories you’re trying to connect was not manufactured by Microsoft or another licensed Xbox hardware partner,” the support page explains.
“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.”
“At that time, you’ll receive error code 0x82d60003.”
Microsoft said users affected by the issue are encouraged to contact the store or manufacturer where the accessory was obtained to get help with returning it.
However, it is doubtful that a store would be willing to accept a return if the controller was bought a few years ago.
Engadget reported that the policy change was possibly due to Microsoft cracking down on cheating devices that make it easier for players to compete in online multiplayer.
However, it could also simply be a way for Microsoft to rechannel controller and accessory revenue to itself and its partners.