What you need to know
- Starting November 12, 2023, Microsoft will no longer allow the use of unauthorized third-party accessories with its Xbox consoles.
- Gamers are reporting a warning message that appears on Xbox when they connect unauthorized accessories, informing them of the date their accessory will be blocked with “Error 0x82d60002.”
- Xbox recommends that you return the accessory and instead refer to the list of approved products on its website.
- The message appears due to the latest version of the console, which is said to cause issues with the console when using these third-party accessories.
- to update: We’ve heard from sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans that this may be related to Microsoft expanding its program for certified third-party Xbox wireless controllers. Most third-party Xbox controllers are wired now.
- Windows Central has reached out to Microsoft for comment.
In an important development for Xbox users, the era of tampering with your console to use unapproved accessories is coming to an end. Xbox has taken a final stand by instituting a new policy that prevents the use of unauthorized accessories with its consoles, effective November 17.
This decision has already begun to resonate among the gaming community, and many have already received a warning about it on their consoles in the form of an error message. 0x82d60002.
The error message states the following:
“The connected accessory is unauthorized. Using unauthorized accessories harms your gaming experience. For this reason, unauthorized accessory use will be banned on 11/12/2023.
For help returning it, check with the store it came from or contact the manufacturer. To see supported extensions, go to www.xbox.com/accessories. (0x82d60002).”
Please note that the image for the error message is from a UK based console, so text and date configuration will vary.
I received this error message when a family member messaged me about her Xbox One console not working. The console, to put it mildly, feels like a budget version of the real deal — a “we have Xbox consoles at home” vibe, as the kids say. Not surprisingly, it refused to work with her Xbox, which left her extremely frustrated.
Not only did you receive the warning message and error code 0x82d60002, but the console actually failed to work with Xbox. I asked for a picture of the controller, and I wasn’t surprised that it didn’t work, since the included adapter looks like something you get for free at the bottom of a cereal box.
Jokes aside, the message she received on her console was interesting, and through further research it became clear that this was more than just a one-time issue with a crooked console. It’s a big shift that will affect all accessories that don’t carry the Xbox stamp of approval. It is made clearer by Xbox redirecting the user to its official storefront.
One brand feeling the heat from this upcoming change is Brook Gaming, known for its third-party gaming accessories. As reports emerged of issues with some of their products, they turned to X (formerly known as Twitter) to address the issue.
Xbox console related product issue update pic.twitter.com/QK0N41LmHWOctober 20, 2023
The post from Brook Gaming says:
“Dear players, we deeply appreciate your unwavering support and interest in Brook. We find it necessary to share important information with you regarding our products related to the Xbox console, which may face functional disruptions in the near future.
newly. We’ve received player feedback regarding these products when used on Xbox consoles (Latest OS version 10.0.25398.2266. Released 10/16) while playing online. An error message may appear: “The connected extension is not licensed.” We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you. Brook’s 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. As soon as more updates are available. We will notify you immediately through our official community platforms.”
The influential products listed by brand are:
- Wingman XB2 adapter
- XB combat plate
With partial functions on UFB combat panels and steering wheel adapters affected.
Brook Gaming’s statement highlights a series of issues that have plagued unlicensed third-party extensions, especially since the rollout of console version 10.0.25398.2266, which was released on October 16. Interestingly, digging deeper reveals Reddit posts dating back to September, where users on reddit have expressed concerns about a wide range of accessories, including joysticks and racing wheels like the Thrustmaster TMX Pro. This brand appears regularly on this site and in our discussions of the best racing wheels for Xbox.
While it’s unclear how many products are affected by this issue, there is no indication yet that it has affected Cronus or XIM extensions. Cronus and XIM accessories are controversial because they allow users to mimic a mouse and keyboard as an Xbox controller. This function gives them a competitive advantage in FPS games like Call of Duty, since it offers enhanced rotation speed and rapid fire functionality without sacrificing aim assist. However, XIM and Cronus extensions have been used for accessibility purposes as well. So far, we haven’t seen any evidence that these types of accessories will be affected by the latest changes since Xbox has historically been unable to detect them, but we’re investigating.
Why is Microsoft doing this?
Our sources indicate that Microsoft is lifting restrictions on third-party hardware manufacturers’ ability to create wireless accessories for Xbox Series In fact, this year we’ve seen the launch of the PowerA MOGA XP-Ultra, which is among the first official third-party wireless controllers that isn’t just a redesigned standard Xbox controller, or a patent holder like some SCUF accessories.
Excellent Xbox controllers like the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma are only let down by the fact that they’re wired. Microsoft previously didn’t have an easy path for third-party manufacturers to get wireless connectivity into their controllers, with headsets only getting approval via a proprietary security chip from Microsoft. Now, we’re hearing that Microsoft has an approval process for official third-party wireless controllers, and this new restriction may be the result of new security measures to put limits on inputs that could cheat gameplay or inject unfair advantages.
The downside, of course, is that Xbox’s new policy affects many “fair” accessories, especially in the case of fighting game controllers and other similar accessories.
Will this affect my third party extensions?
As long as you’re using a product from manufacturers that have officially paid for an Xbox license, you should be safe. Brands like Turtle Beach, Razer, and others featured on lists of the best Xbox headsets and best Xbox controllers fall into this category and will not be affected by the recent change. Wireless headsets already need a Microsoft-certified security chip to integrate wireless connectivity on Xbox, but it looks like this is now being expanded more widely to include controllers and similar accessories as well.
The issue seems to revolve around brands that have not obtained this license but are still marketing their products as Xbox compatible. Microsoft appears to be actively blocking these items.
Windows Central has reached out to Microsoft for comment on the decision.
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