Connect by USB
Connect your favorite supported Nintendo, Xbox, or PlayStation controllers to a Cronus Zen (w/ USB Cable) and a Nintendo Switch.
⚡IMPORTANT
DO NOT have any scripts or GamePacks enabled until you are happy with your controller's setup and performance (disabled = press the memory slot button until the Zen gearhead logo is on the OLED screen), and remember, if your controller ever disconnects, glitches or becomes unresponsive, simply tap Zen's reset button to resync.
👉 This page includes the following (USB) Controller to Nintendo Switch guides:
- SWITCH WIRELESS PRO to SWITCH
- XBOX SERIES X/S to SWITCH
- XBOX ELITE S2 to SWITCH
- PS5 DUALSENSE to SWITCH
- PS4 DUALSHOCK 4 to SWITCH
- TIPS & TRICKS
🎧 HEADSET AUDIO
The Nintendo Switch does not have an option to connect wired headsets to the Joy-Con or Wireless Pro controllers. However, when the Switch is plugged into the Switch TV Dock, we've added some magic sauce so that you can game with a DUALSHOCK 4 v2 (USB and Bluetooth), a DUALSENSE (USB), or any XBOX SERIES X/S (USB) controller with wired Headset Audio support!
🎮 SWITCH WIRELESS PRO (USB)
If using a Switch TV Dock, make sure the 15v power supply is connected or the Zen will not power on. If you are using the Switch in Handheld mode, you'll also need an OTG USB-C adapter or cable, and a Switch (USB) controller is required as an A1 license donor for all crossover controller setups.
Setup Hardware: Nintendo Switch console (TV Dock), SWITCH WIRELESS PRO controller, Zen Studio , and Zen Firmware .
IMPORTANT: Make sure your Switch controller is fully charged, or it will likely disconnect or not detect at all.
Make sure this option is enabled: System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Pro Controller Wired Communication: On
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a PC from PROG (mini-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to NINTENDO SWITCH.
- Make sure that PS4 Speciality and PS Remote Play are NOT enabled. NOTE: Unplug all USB cables from Zen (no power).
- Connect CRONUS ZEN to the SWITCH TV DOCK from CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB). NOTE: Handheld (No TV Dock) requires an OTG USB-C adapter
- Connect a SWITCH WIRELESS PRO controller to A3.
AUDIO: The Nintendo Wireless Pro controller does not have an audio port to connect a headset.
🎮 XBOX (USB)
Setup Hardware: Nintendo Switch console (TV Dock), XBOX SERIES X/S and XBOX ELITE S2 controllers, Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
IMPORTANT: Make sure your Xbox controller is fully charged/fresh batteries, or it will likely disconnect or not detect at all.
Make sure this option is enabled: System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Pro Controller Wired Communication: On
- Connect CRONUS ZEN to PC from PROG (mini-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to NINTENDO SWITCH.
- Make sure that PS4 Speciality and PS Remote Play are NOT enabled. NOTE: Unplug all USB cables from Zen (no power).
- Connect CRONUS ZEN to the SWITCH TV DOCK from CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB). NOTE: Handheld (No TV Dock) requires an OTG USB-C adapter
- Connect your preferred XBOX controller to A3 and press the XBOX button to power it on.
AUDIO: Xbox Series X/S controllers support wired headsets when connected to the Switch by USB.
These are the major Xbox controller models that have been tested working with a Nintendo Switch and the Cronus Zen. The Windows Xbox Accessories App detects all versions and can be used to test vibration and buttons.
🎮 PLAYSTATION (USB)
If using a Switch TV Dock, make sure the 15v power supply is connected or the Zen will not power on. If you are using the Switch in Handheld mode, you'll also need an OTG USB-C adapter or cable, and a Switch (USB) controller is required as an A1 license donor for all crossover controller setups.
Setup Hardware: Nintendo Switch console (TV Dock), DUALSENSE and DUALSHOCK 4 v2 controllers, Zen Studio and Zen Firmware .
IMPORTANT: Make sure your PlayStation controller is fully charged, or it will likely disconnect or not detect at all.
Make sure this option is enabled: System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Pro Controller Wired Communication: On
- Connect the CRONUS ZEN to a PC from PROG (mini-USB).
- Open ZEN STUDIO > Device Panel > Emulator Output Protocol set to NINTENDO SWITCH.
- Make sure that PS4 Speciality and PS Remote Play are NOT enabled. NOTE: Unplug all USB cables from Zen (no power).
- Connect CRONUS ZEN to the SWITCH TV DOCK from CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB). NOTE: Handheld (No TV Dock) requires an OTG USB-C adapter
- Connect the PLAYSTATION controller to A3 and press the PS button to power it on.
AUDIO: The DUALSHOCK 4 v2 (DS4 v1 not supported) supports wired headsets when connected to the Switch by USB or Bluetooth. The DUALSENSE supports wired headsets when connected to the Switch by USB.
TIPS & TRICKS
TIPS & TRICKS
💡PRO TIP
Connect a wired Keypad or Keyboard to A2 and use it alongside your controller for powerful GamePack MODs, Scripts, and Build/Edit Macros. This is REALLY popular with Battle Royale, CoD & Apex players who are slaying with the new 32bit Community Supported GamePacks 😉
🚦LIVE MONITORING
If you wish to monitor controller outputs in real-time with Zen Studio, connect the PROG (mini-USB) cable from Zen to PC, and keep the Zen connected to your Nintendo Switch with the CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB) cable. Open Zen Studio and make sure the Zen is detected, then go to the Device panel and select Tools > Device Monitor (Shortcut: F3).
☢️TROUBLESHOOTING
If the Zen RGB LEDs do not light up, or if no controller buttons are responding, unplug all USB cables from the Zen, reconnect, then press Zen's reset button and that should fix it. Make sure the controllers are powered on.
If your controller disconnects:
- The controller connected to A1 does not work as a donor (e.g., DS4 v1).
- The USB cable from the controller to the Zen is bad.
- The USB port on the controller is damaged.
For more detailed help, check out the extensive TROUBLESHOOTING 👈 guide.