Xbox Blocking Unauthorized Accessories

Starting on November 12, 2023, Xbox consoles will start to block unauthorized accessories from being used, and when attempting to use one brings up a message. “A connected accessory is not authorised. Using unauthorised accessories compromises your gaming experience. For this reason, the unauthorised accessory will be blocked from use on 12/11/2023. For help returning it, check with the store it came from or contact the manufacturer. To see authorised accessories, go to www.xbox.com/accessories. (0x82d60002).” 

While there isn’t a definitive list of unauthorized accessories, people believe that it includes the controversial CronusZen/CronusMax, a device that has been a major problem in online games such as Call of Duty. The Cronus allows users to essentially remove recoil, or make macros, which is a sequence of button presses. For example, you can press a single button, and it can copy and paste by simulating Ctrl + C and V. Not only is cheating an issue on PC, it is also an issue on consoles due to the Cronus. However, some games such as Fortnite are cracking down on Cronus, as a warning will pop up when it is detected. Bypassing this warning results in a permanent ban. 

Even if this stops CronusZen/CronusMax from being used on consoles, it may stop legitimate accessories such as steering wheels or fighting sticks from working, so there’s more controversy with this new restriction. Brook Gaming, a manufacturer of fighting stick adapters, has already been affected even though they aren’t cheating. 

This limit of only being able to use authorized manufacturers is both a blessing and a curse. This may mean that higher quality third-parties will only be able to make accessories, but other high quality third-parties won’t be able to shine because they don’t have approval.