Microsoft issued a new policy in their latest console update that blocks third-party peripherals. Read on to learn when these changes will apply and how these affect players in general.
Microsoft to Block Third-Party Accessories
Latest Xbox Build Will Block Third-Party Peripherals
Microsoft is currently implementing a new policy in the latest console update that will block unofficial third-party controllers, accessories, and peripherals. This policy will be soft launching on November 12, with Microsoft stating that the full implementation will be on November 17. Players have encountered the error code 0x82d6002 with the message stating:
“Using unauthorized accessories compromises your gaming experience. For this reason, the unauthorized accessory will be blocked from use on 12/11/2023.”
In line with this, Microsoft is planning to expand its current selection of approved third-party wireless Xbox controllers, as most of these options are wired. Microsoft states that the main reason for this policy is to uphold the standards of performance, security, and safety for their console.
How This Affects The Players
There is no official word if this policy is aimed to target adapters like XIM and Cronus as they are used for keyboard and mouse on console, offering a competitive advantage in certain genres like first-person shooters. While these adapters are a cause for concern for this particular genre, fighting games use third-party adapters for convenience and portability.
Brook Gaming has been caught in the crossfire since they manufacture unlicensed third-party adapters for incompatible fighting game controllers. These adapters are both convenient and popular as they are used as an alternative to being able to use older fighting game controllers for the next-gen consoles instead of buying a new one as they can be expensive. Prominent fighting game community streamer and figure Maximilian Dood tweeted in X regarding the policy, urging Microsoft to reconsider it as they can potentially kill local tournaments. He states that it is “essentially a death sentence for local fighting game events that run on Xbox and others that can afford only one fight stick,” and reiterates that Brook Gaming converters are not cheat devices.
Sources:
Twitter - Wario64
Twitter - Maximilian Dood
WindowsCentral - Xbox's New Policy
