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Microsoft Implements Stricter Controls on Third-Party Xbox Accessories

Shooting themselves in the foot in the process
by Joe Wilcock on October 30, 2023   



Microsoft has frustrated many in the gaming community by enforcing tighter regulations on third-party peripherals for its Xbox Series X/S consoles. The policy change, set to take effect on November 12, 2023, has ignited a wave of discontent among gamers, particularly those who rely on third-party accessories for their competitive edge.

The issue first came to light through reports on WindowsCentral, where an Xbox One user encountered an 0x82d60002 error message when attempting to use an off-brand Xbox controller. The warning message was clear, stating that the accessory was not authorized, and its use would be prohibited come mid-November. Accessory maker Brook Gaming, specializing in products like fight sticks and steering wheel adapters, echoed similar sentiments in response to player feedback about their products' compatibility with Xbox consoles.

While Microsoft's intent behind these stricter controls is yet to be officially confirmed, many players have speculated that it might be an attempt to crack down on manufacturers of adapters such as XIM and Cronus Zen, which allow players to modify controller inputs, potentially compromising the integrity of online gameplay in popular titles like Call of Duty: Warzone 2 and Rainbow Six Siege.

However, the consequence of this blanket ban reaches beyond just the targeting of cheat devices. It extends to a wide array of cheaper off-brand controllers and custom gaming accessories that will soon be rendered useless on Xbox platforms. This decision has prompted concerns from the gaming community, including fighting game enthusiasts who depend on these peripherals for competitive events.

Maximilian Dood, a well-known fighting game content creator, expressed his concerns on Twitter, highlighting the adverse impact this policy would have on local fighting game events and those who rely on affordable arcade sticks. He emphasized that converters like those offered by Brook Gaming are not cheat devices but are vital for the Fighting Game Community (FGC).

One of the pressing questions is whether peripheral manufacturers will have the opportunity to seek authorization from Microsoft or if the ban will remain all-encompassing, affecting anyone without a branded deal with Xbox. The latter scenario could lead to companies incurring additional costs for authorization, potentially translating into increased prices for consumers or even pushing some manufacturers to discontinue making Xbox-compatible devices.

This move by Microsoft brings to mind the existing restrictions on PlayStation, where only officially licensed controllers and accessories are supported by the PS5. The limited options and high costs associated with these officially licensed products have led to a rather constrained ecosystem for players. Microsoft's alignment with such a policy is seen as a step in the same direction, leaving gamers with fewer alternatives and potentially inflated prices for endorsed accessories.

Microsoft's decision to impose stringent controls on third-party Xbox accessories has raised concerns within the gaming community. While the motives behind these changes remain unconfirmed, players are apprehensive about the potential consequences for affordable and alternative gaming peripherals. As the November 12 deadline approaches, the gaming community waits to see whether any revisions or authorizations will be introduced to alleviate the impact of these restrictions.

Stay informed on gaming news and reviews at DailyGamer. Follow @realdailygamer on X for the latest updates from the gaming world.

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