Update #3: Windows Central has once again updates its report, saying that Microsoft has confirmed third-party accessories plugged into an Xbox console through the Adaptive Controller won’t be subject to these restrictions, hopefully putting to rest some concerns around the use of accessible devices.
Update #2: Microsoft has addressed this situation directly, confirming the decision to block unauthorised accessories being used with Xbox consoles. The statement reads:
“Microsoft and other licensed Xbox hardware partners’ accessories are designed and manufactured with quality standards for performance, security, and safety,” it said.
“Unauthorised 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 unauthorised. Eventually, the unauthorised accessory will be blocked from use to preserve the console gaming experience.”
Microsoft has also advised players to check the full list of accessories that are supported on Xbox consoles at this link.
Update: Windows Central has updated its report with claims from sources that Microsoft is planning to expand its programs to approve more third-party wireless controllers for use on Xbox consoles, which should help increase the options available to consumers in the face of the below crackdown on unapproved devices.
Xbox users who play with specialised or custom third-party accessories (or are recipients of those well-meaning but ill-advised holiday gifts of horrifically bad controllers) look to be in a rough spot right now with widespread reports that unauthorised or unlicenced devices are being blocked from use with Xbox consoles.
According to Windows Central, users have started seeing a new error message after recent Xbox firmware updates that warn users their devices will be blocked from use (if not already rendered inoperable) by November 12th, 2023. The message reads, “A connected accessory is not authorised. Using unauthorised accessories compromises your gaming experience. For this reason, the unauthorised accessory will be blocked from use on 12/11/2023.
“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).”
It’s not just back alley, super-custom or illicit accessories being affected either, with some more “major” players in third-party gear who don’t necessarily have the full Xbox seal of approval seeing some of their products subject to this blocking, like Brook Gaming:
https://twitter.com/brookgamingfans/status/1715337068401021284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1715337068401021284%7Ctwgr%5E32f845013bae4c12baf253989997f3c10bb89942%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.windowscentral.com%2Fgaming%2Fxbox%2Fxboxs-new-policy-say-goodbye-to-unofficial-accessories-after-november
“Dear gamers, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support and interest in Brook. We find it necessary to share crucial information with you regarding our Xbox console-related products, which may encounter functional disruptions in the near future,” the statement from Brook reads before listing affected products.
“Recently, we have received player feedback concerning these products when used on Xbox consoles (the latest OS version 10.0.25398.2266, released on 10/16) during online gameplay. An error message may appear: “A connected accessory is not authorized.”
“We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause you. The Brook engineering team is fully committed to developing a solution to maintain product quality and functionality.
“Please trust that we will spare no effort in identifying potential solutions. Once further updates become available, we will promptly notify you through our official community platforms.”
Xbox has yet to address this new messaging or clarify how many devices it’ll affect (including things like keyboard and mouse setups or accessible controllers), but we’ll be sure to update this story with more as it comes.
