diff --git a/gpdconfig/app.py b/gpdconfig/app.py
index a23cde0..9f33666 100644
--- a/gpdconfig/app.py
+++ b/gpdconfig/app.py
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ def main():
     parser.add_argument("-d","--dump", metavar="FILE", help="Dump config to FILE")
     parser.add_argument("-r","--reset", action="store_true", help="Reset to defaults")
     parser.add_argument("-v","--verbose", action="store_true", help="Output current config to stdout")
+    parser.add_argument("-x","--disable-version-check", dest="fwcheck", action="store_true", help="Disable FW version check")
 
     group = parser.add_argument_group("Informational options")
     group.add_argument("-c","--fields", action="store_true", help="List available fields")
@@ -55,7 +56,7 @@ def main():
         return
 
     # Read the current configuration from the device
-    wc = WinControls()
+    wc = WinControls(disableFwCheck=options.fwcheck)
 
     if wc.loaded and options.dump:
         with open(options.dump,"w") as wf:
diff --git a/gpdconfig/wincontrols/hardware.py b/gpdconfig/wincontrols/hardware.py
index 8109592..fdd928c 100755
--- a/gpdconfig/wincontrols/hardware.py
+++ b/gpdconfig/wincontrols/hardware.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 from .config import *
 from . import hid
 
-class WinControls(object):
+class WinControls():
     """Class for reading and writing configuration to the GPD Win controller hardware."""
 
     # Map of fields and their offsets in the binary configuration
@@ -73,7 +73,8 @@ class WinControls(object):
 
     field = {f.name: f for f in _fields}
 
-    def __init__(self, read=True):
+    def __init__(self, read=True, disableFwCheck=False):
+        self.disableFwCheck = disableFwCheck
         self._openHid()
         self.loaded = False
         if read:
@@ -119,6 +120,8 @@ def _parseResponse(self, response):
         }
 
     def _checkDevice(self):
+        if self.disableFwCheck:
+            return
         supported = ['K504', 'K407']
         info = self._parseResponse(self._response)
         if info['Kfirmware'] not in supported: