Microsoft is Blocking Unauthorized Xbox Accessories Because They Can “Compromise the Gaming Experience”

Several Xbox users have recently reported being unable to use certain third party accessories on their Xbox consoles that were previously usable, with relevant error messages stating that accessories deemed “unauthorized” by Microsoft will no longer be usable starting November 12. That has now been officially confirmed by Microsoft in a statement to VGC.

The company has confirmed that accessories made by third parties that haven’t been officially authorized by itself will, going forward, be blocked on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles. Microsoft says it’s taking this measure because said accessories can “compromise the gaming experience”, and that only first party and licensed third party accessories will be up to code.

“Microsoft and other licensed Xbox hardware partners’ accessories are designed and manufactured with quality standards for performance, security, and safety,” the company has said. “Unauthorized accessories can compromise the gaming experience on Xbox consoles (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S).

“Gamers may receive a pop-up warning that their accessory is unauthorized. Eventually, the unauthorized accessory will be blocked from use to preserve the console gaming experience.”

Microsoft has also provided a complete list of officially supported first and third party accessories, which can be viewed through here.

Though it was previously reported that these steps were tied to increased efforts to authorize wireless third party accessories, the company hasn’t yet mentioned any plans on that front. Stay tuned for more updates.