In an unexpected move, Microsoft has decided to ban third-party controllers on Xbox consoles, as confirmed in a recent OS update. Players started reporting the issue on various platforms, and Xbox’s official support has since verified the policy change.
While initially considered to be a bug or glitch, Xbox confirmed that the ban on third-party controllers is intentional. Microsoft now mandates that players use officially licensed products to play games on Xbox consoles.
The decision aims to boost revenue through sales of official products, though it’s anticipated to be met with disappointment from the gaming community.
Players attempting to connect third-party controllers encounter error code 0x82d60002, which states, “One of the accessories you’re trying to connect was not manufactured by Microsoft or another licensed Xbox hardware partner.” Post-error, third-party peripherals can still be used for a grace period of two weeks before being permanently disabled.
List of Official Licensed Products
Xbox advises players to opt for officially licensed products from the following companies:
- Razer
- Turtle Beach
- Power-A
- Thrustmaster
- Victrix
- PDP
- HyperX
- ASUS ROG
Brook Gaming, a manufacturer of gaming peripherals, confirmed via Twitter that its products are affected by this new policy. Several other third-party manufacturers are also facing challenges due to this rule.
The decision seems out of character for Xbox, a brand known for its open ecosystem, featuring initiatives like Xbox One controller support for Series S|X consoles, PC gaming support, and cross-compatibility.
For the moment, it’s unclear if this rule will be revised. However, the change is pushing players towards official controllers, undoubtedly benefiting Microsoft and Xbox financially, despite potential backlash from the community.