One of the most convenient features of the Xbox consoles is that it is compatible with a large variety of third party accessories. Be it a controller or headset, a large number of third-party devices work with the consoles, giving players the option to go with something that they find more comfortable and affordable.
However, it seems that this may soon no longer be the case, as Xbox will start blocking third-party accessories that aren’t authorized with an official license. As spotted byWindows Central, certain Xbox users have reported getting error notifications when pairing their Xbox devices with unlicensed third-party accessories.
“Error 0x82d60002”, as thepop-up notificationshows, says that the unauthorized accessory will be blocked from the console as of June 01, 2025. The full message is as below:
“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 10-07-2025.
For help returning it, check with the store it came from or contact the manufacturer. To see authorized accessories, go to www.xbox.com/accessories. (0x82d60002).”
Third-party accessories, especially for Xbox consoles and PC are a micro-industry of their own, giving players access to more affordable, and customised accessories, based on their preferences. This could be in terms of controller layout, design, or something that’s themed on their favourite IP.
What Does This Mean For Third-Party Xbox Accessories?
It seems that with this policy, Xbox will be able to clamp down on third-party brands which have been manufacturing Xbox accessories without acquiring the license for it. This means that a large number of manufacturers will have to tie up with Xbox officially, or else their products will no longer be compatible with Xbox consoles.
So, if you have a third-party Xbox controller that doesn’t feature an official Xbox license, you may have to start looking for one that does. A number of major players will be locked out of the market if they aren’t able to secure a license with Xbox, rendering their products incompatible with the console.
Many big-name brands will surely secure a license, but smaller brands which appeal to niche audiences may find it harder to do so.
