Microsoft has announced a new branding for the Designed for Xbox program, which certifies accessories made in collaboration with Microsoft to ensure compatibility with Xbox consoles. Now, third-party accessories will show a circular green badge indicating that they"re part of the program, which should help customers make a choice when buying a new controller, for example.
Microsoft also said it will be working with its partners in the Designed for Xbox program to ensure that existing and future accessories will work across as many generations of Xbox as possible. Wired or wireless accessories that connect over USB, as well as headsets that connect to the 3.5mm headphone on the Xbox Wireless Controller will work right out of the gate on the Xbox Series X. Some headsets that use optical audio ports might require a firmware update, or you can just plug them into your TV if they"re not supported on the Xbox Series X. Additionally, some battery and charging kits will be redesigned to accommodate both generations of the Xbox Wireless Controller starting this holiday.
The Designed for Xbox program is also adding a few new accessory makers who will be bringing products of their own into the lineup. These new partners include Audeze and Bang & Olufsen, who will focus on audio-related products; Nacon and OtterBox, who will focus on gaming controllers and accessories for Project xCloud; Honeycomb Aeronautical, who is working with Microsoft on hardware for flight simulator games; Geek Made Designs, who will be making wooden stands for controllers and consoles; and Cable Matters, which is releasing an active HDMI cable to deliver all the capabilities of the Xbox Series X in a cable up to 10 meters long.
On top of the existing partners that continue to work with Microsoft, these new ones make for a total of 34 companies working on Designed for Xbox accessories. You can learn more about the program here.