Microsoft Blocks 3rd Party Accessories Is Anti-Consumer Move Disguised as Safety Measure

The recent decision by Microsoft to block third-party accessories has sparked debate over the company's motives.

This is what it's come to? Image credit: Wario64

Ever since Wario64 broke the news on Twitter, the gaming community has been abuzz about Microsoft's decision to block "unauthorized" third-party accessories from being used with Xbox consoles starting November 12. While some may argue that this is a move towards player safety, it's hard to ignore the fact that Microsoft seems to be wrestling away consumer choice. The question on everyone's mind is simple: why are Sony and Microsoft seemingly in a race to be more anti-consumer?

Look for the new logo. Green for corporate GREED.

The Greed of the Blockade

As flagged by Windows Central, many Xbox users have reported encountering warning message "error 0x82d60002" when plugging in third-party accessories. This error translates to the accessory not being manufactured by Microsoft or any of its licensed hardware partners. While it remains unconfirmed whether this block will apply to both Series X/S and Xbox One, the assumption is that it likely will.

Brook Gaming take s a hit.

Brook Gaming, a noted third-party accessory manufacturer, has already signaled that this move will affect some of its products. They've vowed to find a workaround, but the inconvenience caused to gamers is undeniable.

Hard agree with Maximilian Dood on this one.

Two Weeks' Notice

What adds insult to injury is that once the error message pops up, players will have only two weeks to continue using the accessory before it's permanently disabled. Microsoft suggests that users reach out to the store or manufacturer for a return or replacement. This is beyond unacceptable and just plain insanity.

The "Designed for Xbox" Label

Microsoft has initiated a "Designed for Xbox program," which showcases licensed and approved accessories from more than 50 major gaming brands, denoted by a 'Designed for Xbox' badge. The indication is clear: if you want to play, you'll have to play by Microsoft's rules.

The Real Issue: Consumer Choice

While Microsoft may tout this move as a safety measure, or a way to cut out cheaters. If you think this will stop cheating, I got a bridge to sell you. It glaringly seems like a thinly-veiled power grab that reduces consumer choice. Gamers are being pushed toward Microsoft-approved accessories, giving them less freedom to decide what they want to use. This feels like yet another nail in the coffin of consumer-friendly practices, a trend that has recently seen Sony hiking PlayStation Plus subscription prices.

It's becoming increasingly evident that both Sony and Microsoft are taking steps that appear anti-consumer, from Sony's PlayStation Plus price hikes to Microsoft's latest accessory blockade. As these titans battle for supremacy in the gaming industry, one can't help but wonder: is the fight for consumer hearts being forgotten?

~Smash

Information in this article is based on a tweet from Wario64.