Microsoft Is Cracking Down On Unauthorized Third-Party Xbox Controllers
Microsoft Is Cracking Down On Unauthorized Third-Party Xbox Controllers
If you own any of the unofficial Xbox hardware – be aware that Microsoft will soon ban it from connecting to Xbox consoles. Microsoft is cracking down on the use on unlicensed Xbox controllers and accessories that did not receive the “designed for Xbox” certification.
In a support article, Microsoft states: “From the moment you connect an unauthorized accessory and receive error code 0x82d60002, you’ll have two weeks to use the accessory, after which time it will then be blocked from use with the console. At that time, you’ll receive error code 0x82d60003. We encourage you to contact the store or manufacturer where you obtained the accessory to get help with returning it.”
As for why Microsoft has chosen to go this way instead of letting uncertified third-party controller live their own ways, one reason is that some modified controllers are used as a cheating tool in games. These kind of hardware often makes cheating mechanisms hard to detect, so banning any unauthorized devices from connecting to the console is likely the simplest and safest way out. Some games already has active controller detections that prohibits access to the game when unauthorized hardware is in use.
That being said, any official third party controllers (with Designed for Xbox badge) will continue to work as usual, as these devices are certified by Microsoft themselves to ensure they’re up to the standards and free of any potential tampering to provide unfair advantage. However, such decisions already has caused some issues on smaller third-party controller OEMs that may not necessarily have the certification.
Microsoft has since clarified that any devices connecting through 3.5mm port or USB ports on the Xbox Adaptive Controller, designed for gamers with disabilities, will not be affected by this policy change. “There is no impact to players using the Xbox Adaptive Controller and any peripherals plugged into the Xbox Adaptive Controller’s USB and 3.5mm ports. This includes both licensed Designed for Xbox devices listed on the Accessories Hub Page, as well as those that currently connect with the Xbox Adaptive Controller.”
Source: Ars Technica | Windows Central
Pokdepinion: Perhaps not the ideal way to solve this, but given how hardcore cheating can get these days, I understand where they’re coming from.
