Why is Xbox blocking third-party accessories on its consoles?

Microsoft is clearly going on the hunt for unauthorized accessories on its Xbox consoles.

Microsoft is clearly in the process of restricting the use of third-party accessories on its Xbox consoles. Many users have seen their controller, steering wheel or joystick become unusable following an update.

While the news seems alarming, it nevertheless paves the way for a more robust certification program for Xbox accessories.

Xbox says goodbye to unauthorized accessories

The October 16 update 10.0.25398.2266 for Xbox systems apparently prevented some players from using their third-party accessories during online gaming. The error message then displayed “A connected accessory is not allowed“.

According to the error message, the permanent blocking of these accessories is planned for November 12, 2023. We are talking here about all those which have been officially validated by Microsoft, in particular wireless accessories. Many players use unofficial accessories, due to lack of means or even access.

If until now, only wired accessories could receive Microsoft’s stamp, it seems that the firm is reviewing its policy. According to Windows Central sources, wireless controllers, steering wheels and joysticks could soon be officially supported by Xbox consoles, which was not the case until now.

Brands like Razer, Turtle Beach, HyperX or Nacon are already part of the program and others will need to pay a license from Microsoft to be authorized on its consoles. The more modest manufacturers of wireless accessories for Xbox will probably not be able to follow suit.

The question arises especially for Cronus devices, whose scripting possibilities can give a certain advantage to malicious players: auto-aim, better recoil management and many others. A real concern in games like Call of Duty, Valorant or Fortnite, their use is not detected by consoles at the moment. Until now ?