diff --git a/drivers/Makefile.dep b/drivers/Makefile.dep
index d5fcbd11e3..bc12510411 100644
--- a/drivers/Makefile.dep
+++ b/drivers/Makefile.dep
@@ -779,8 +779,8 @@ ifneq (,$(filter ws281x_%,$(USEMODULE)))
 endif
 
 ifneq (,$(filter ws281x,$(USEMODULE)))
-  FEATURES_OPTIONAL += arch_avr8
-  FEATURES_OPTIONAL += arch_native
+  FEATURES_REQUIRED_ANY += arch_avr8|arch_native
+
   ifeq (,$(filter ws281x_%,$(USEMODULE)))
     ifneq (,$(filter arch_avr8,$(FEATURES_USED)))
       USEMODULE += ws281x_atmega
diff --git a/tests/driver_ws281x/Makefile b/tests/driver_ws281x/Makefile
index af34a7959a..c2aa110f06 100644
--- a/tests/driver_ws281x/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_ws281x/Makefile
@@ -7,15 +7,6 @@ N ?= 8
 
 USEMODULE += ws281x
 
-# Currently the ws281x only supports AVR-based platforms, the ESP32
-# and native (via VT100 terminals).
-# See https://doc.riot-os.org/group__drivers__ws281x.html
-FEATURES_BLACKLIST += arch_arm
-FEATURES_BLACKLIST += arch_esp8266
-FEATURES_BLACKLIST += arch_mips32r2
-FEATURES_BLACKLIST += arch_msp430
-FEATURES_BLACKLIST += arch_riscv
-
 # Only AVR boards CPU clocked at 8MHz or 16 MHz are supported. The Waspmote Pro
 # is clocked at 14.7456 MHz :-/
 BOARD_BLACKLIST := waspmote-pro