The action might be taken to prevent cheating devices.
Some Xbox users who had been contentedly using third-party gamepads on the system are now far less content. As part of its efforts to crack down on illegal Xbox accessories, Microsoft is allowing players to replace their recently banned controllers within a short window of time before they completely stop functioning. Microsoft hasn’t provided an explanation for the modification, but it may have something to do with how common cheat devices are.
Xbox consoles saw the introduction of the new accessory policy earlier this month. The error code 0x82d60002 alerts players when they connect an unauthorised Xbox controller, stating that the “connected accessory is not authorised.” You have two weeks starting from that point to take action before the item is permanently disabled. A 0x82d60003 error code appears when you try to connect it after the two-week timeframe has passed.
This does not imply that the end of third-party Xbox controllers is near. It’s true that the majority of gamepads that aren’t made by Microsoft are a part of the “Designed for Xbox” partner programme. These add-ons will keep functioning as intended. Microsoft kindly advises anyone having an impacted controller to attempt returning it by contacting the manufacturer in their online support post. Gratitude, Microsoft.
This modification might be a reaction to the proliferation of hardware cheating tools such as the Cronus Zen and XIM. With the help of these adapters, players may utilise a keyboard and mouse to spoof controller input and inject scripts, giving them a significant advantage over other players in multiplayer games like Call of Duty and Rainbow Six. But the accessory restriction doesn’t only work with online gaming.
Xbox console-related product Issue Update pic.twitter.com/QK0N41LmHW
— Brook Gaming (@brookgamingfans) October 20, 2023
The consequences go beyond people who attempt to cheat in online games. The manufacturer of controllers and adapters for racing and fighting video games, Brook Gaming, claims that multiple of their products are impacted. Unlicensed assistive technology for gamers with motor impairments may potentially be subject to a ban. Fortunately, a $100 official Xbox Adaptive Controller is available.
Thus far, Microsoft has disregarded requests from the public to reevaluate the modification. Look for the Xbox logo to determine whether your controller is authorised. It is an officially licenced accessory if it has that. PowerA unveiled the first third-party wireless Xbox controller this year, breaking the trend of most licenced controllers being wired. According to Windows Central, Microsoft’s intentions to increase the availability of its wireless protocol to third parties may be connected to the modification. Therefore, even though you might have additional controller options in the future, it won’t bring much solace if a perfectly good controller breaks down.