Xbox has issued a new policy that would ban unauthorized accessories from being used on its consoles following reports of a new error message.
Xbox has issued a new policy to ban unauthorized accessories from being used on its consoles following reports of a new error message.
The situation comes after users have reported seeing the new error message after recent Xbox firmware updates that warn users that their devices will be blocked from use by Nov. 12, 2023.
Xbox's New Policy on Third-Party Accessories
The message reads, "A connected accessory is not authorized. Using unauthorized accessories compromises your gaming experience. For this reason, the unauthorized accessory will be blocked from use on 12/11/2023."
Additionally, it's not just the back alley, super-custom, or illicit accessories affected by the new policy. Some users have also said that other "major" players in third-party gear who do not necessarily have the full XBox seal of approval have seen some of their products being subject to the blocking.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Brook Gaming said that it was experiencing a console-related product issue. It noted that the affected products were the Wingman XB 2 converter and the XB Fighting Board. It added that some others were partially affected, including the UFB Fighting Board, UFB-Fusion Fighting Board, and the Raslution and Raslution 2 steering wheel adapters, as per Press Start.
The statement highlights a series of issues plaguing third-party, unlicensed accessories. This is particularly true since the rollout of console build 10.0.25398.2266 was released on Oct. 16. Reddit posts about the error message also date back to September, as some users voiced concerns about issues involving a wide range of accessories.
It is still unclear how many products are affected by Xbox's new policy and there has been no indication yet that it has impacted Cronus or XIM accessories. These two are controversial because they allow users to mimic a mouse and keyboard as an Xbox controller.
This particular functionality gives them a competitive edge in FPS games such as Call of Duty because they offer boosted turning speed and rapid-fire functionality without sacrificing aim assist.
Impacts of the New Policy
However, the two accessories have been used for accessibility purposes as well and there has been no evidence that they are affected by the recent changes. This is because, historically, Xbox has been unable to detect the accessories used with its consoles, according to Windows Central.
There are rumors that Xbox is implementing the new policy because there are plans to build wireless accessories for Xbox Series X | S devices. This comes as the PowerA MOGA XP-Ultra was launched this year and is among the first official third-party wireless controllers that is not a simple reskin of the standard Xbox controller.
The situation has caused widespread concern among the gaming community as users wonder about the new policy's impact on their gaming habits. They question if they will be required to invest in new accessories from the approved brands or if they would have to adapt to using the limited options available, said Game Is Hard.
